Video: How scientists at the John van Geest Centre hope to crack the cancer code
Nottingham Trent University’s annual 1in2 Day is expected to raise thousands of pounds towards life-saving cancer research on Friday – but firms and individuals still have time to get involved.
The day of events across the city, on February 26, is in support of the university’s John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.
Cycling the equivalent distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats on an exercise bike, climbing the equivalent height of Snowdon on a climbing wall, and taking part in a giant hokey-cokey are just a few of the events planned.
The event is so named due to research which shows that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
The John van Geest Cancer centre is based at the University’s Clifton campus and every penny received in donations is spent on scientific staff and cancer research.
1in2 Day: How to get involved and help Nottingham scientists to find a cure
Stephen Knott, Community Giving Officer at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This is the fourth year we have held this fundraising event, but it is the first time we are encouraging more businesses, individuals and other organisations in the region to also join in the fun and fundraising.
“While we know about various fundraising activities that are currently planned by external organisations as well as our students and staff, we would love to hear about more events that are being organised.
A few of the fundraising activities arranged to so far include:
- Alea Casino, Nottingham>, will be holding an exercise bike challenge from early on Wednesday 24 February to 8pm on 1in2 Day to cycle the equivalent distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Taking part in the challenge will be former Nottingham Forest FC footballer Nigel Jemson and ex-England rugby player Neil Back.
- Scientific Laboratory Supplies, Nottingham, have pledged their support for 1in2 Day and staff will be asking every customer to donate £1 from every sale. In addition, they will be doing a raffle and staff will take part in a ‘wear what you want Friday’.
- Integra Communications will be organising a fundraising networking lunch and media briefing at MediCity on Tuesday 23 February.
- John A Stephens, Nottingham, will be doing a bake sale and charging £1 extra for deliveries, which will be donated to John van Geest.
- A giant hokey-cokey dance will be held in Nottingham Trent University’s Benefactors’ Court, Arkwright Building, at the City site, starting at 11am on 1in2 Day and lasting 15 minutes.
- Nottingham Trent University student and staff activities include: a Boxing for Fitness event; a horseball tournament (basketball on horses); a climbing wall challenge the equivalent of the height of Snowdon, fancy dress cycle rides, and a Proud to Be Pink day.
Stephen added: “Any funds raised from 1in2 Day will go directly to the centre and will make a real difference to its work by funding experiments and research, as well as helping to purchase essential equipment.
“While Friday 26 February has been designated as the main fundraising day, to maximise the amount raised activities can be ongoing throughout the entire week.”
A team of 35 scientists at the centre seeks to develop effective new ways to diagnose and treat all cancers, but with a particular emphasis on breast and prostate cancers – the two most commonly occurring cancers for men and women in the UK.
For more information on 1in2 Day and the work of the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, click here.
