The UK’s specialist blood cancer charity Bloodwise, formerly known as Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, has been named as the Prudential RideLondon Charity of the Year for 2017.
Bloodwise, which funds world leading research and offers expert information and support to anyone affected by blood cancer, was selected from applications from more than 100 charities.
Bloodwise will receive a wide-ranging package of benefits and support to assist the charity to maximise its fundraising efforts around the event. These include 200 guaranteed places in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycling challenge on Sunday 30 July 2017.
Bloodwise plans to use the money raised by their riders to fund Blood Cancer Connect, a ground breaking online hub providing patients and their families with comprehensive information on their diagnosis, while signposting them to local support.
Every year in the UK 38,000+ people are diagnosed with blood cancer and, with 137 differing types, it is often a daunting diagnosis for patients. Founded in 1960, Bloodwise works with patients, carers and health care professionals to provide blood cancer specific information and support.
The fundraising potential of Prudential RideLondon has grown hugely since the inaugural ride in 2013 and a total of more than £29 million was raised over the first three years. The fundraising total raised at the 2016 event will be announced later this year.
“Bloodwise is a wonderful charity, helping many thousands of people to understand their blood cancer diagnosis,” said Event Director Hugh Brasher. “We hope that their partnership with Prudential RideLondon will help them to raise more funds and awareness, and we are delighted to have Bloodwise as our Charity of the Year for 2017.”
Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Bloodwise, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the official charity partner of the Prudential RideLondon 2017, and delighted to be so closely involved with such a prestigious and well-loved event.
“This exciting partnership will help us raise awareness of blood cancer, the UK’s third biggest cancer killer, and to raise much needed funds to improve the lives of people affected.”