York students bite the Big Apple for Yorkshire charity
Posted on 11 October 2005
The four-strong University of York Athletics Club team, who have been in training for the race since the summer, are raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) which has close links with the University. Based in the University's Department of Biology, the Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit financed by the charity and led by the YCR Professor of Molecular Biology, Professor Norman Maitland, is a world leader in developing treatments for prostate and cervical cancer.
The runners have received financial support from the University's Alumni Fund and they are determined to hand over a substantial sum to the charity after the race on 6 November. Fellow members of the Athletics Club have also helped to organise associated fundraising activities.
The University takes enormous pride in the fact that we have a team in the New York Marathon for the first time
Professor Brian Cantor
The York team is Adam Griffiths, 20, from the Lake District, who is studying electronic computer engineering; Marc Henderson, 22, from Portadown, Co Armagh, N. Ireland, studying for an MSc in data analysis, networks and non linear dynamics; Jonathan Lingham, 20, from Northamptonshire, who is studying Politics and Paul Roberts, 22, London, who is studying Economics, Ecology and Environment.
Jonathan, who is Athletics Club President, said: "We are very grateful for the support we have had from the Alumni Office in this project. Running the New York City Marathon will be a fantastic experience and we hope we can raise as much money as possible for Yorkshire Cancer Research."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor said: "The University takes enormous pride in the fact that we have a team in the New York Marathon for the first time. Our runners will be taking part in one of the world's greatest races, raising money to help the important work Yorkshire Cancer Research carries out in partnership with the University and others."
Elaine King, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Cancer Research added: "We are delighted that this team of students have decided to take part in this international challenge and raise funds for YCR. The money raised will help us to continue to fund our vital research work at our research centres throughout Yorkshire."
Notes to editors:
- The York Alumni Fund was launched in 1998 and uses generous donations from former students to help to maintain a high standard of facilities at the University and provide new opportunities for current students. Student bodies, societies and academic departments can make applications to the Fund once a year, and several student groups, including the Athletic Union, Graduate Students' Association and Drama Society, have already benefited. The Fund has refitted the University's Drama Barn, purchased three racing boats and met the costs of a scheme that gives professional sports training to students. The Fund has also helped to refurbish some of the University's older buildings and created a range of undergraduate entrance awards and postgraduate scholarships for students who would otherwise be unable to afford to study at York. Further information contact 01904 432097 or go to www.york.ac.uk/admin/dao/fund/about4.htm
- Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) is the largest regional medical research charity in the UK, financing research into the cause and cure of cancer. It provides around £4 million each year for research in the region's five centres of research excellence at the Universities of Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York, and their teaching hospitals.
- For further information on Yorkshire Cancer Research please call 01423 501 269 or visit www.ycr.org.uk