Gear Up And Get In Shape: Bristol Businesses Challenged

Action Medical Research is suggesting that companies across Bristol 'gear up and get in shape by the August 18 deadline for entering teams for this summers Action 100 Bike Ride on Sunday 29 August 2004. Three team entries raising most money will win special prizes of Ultimate Outdoor Activities.

(PRWEB) August 10, 2004 -- Leading medical research charity, Action Medical Research, is throwing down the gauntlet to companies across Bristol to 'gear up and get in shape. They have only until August 18 to enter teams for this summers Action 100 Bike Ride on Sunday 29 August 2004.

The Action 100 Bike Ride challenges ordinary cyclists to cycle 100 miles to raise money for Action Medical Research. Businesses from banks to local gyms are challenged to participate in what is proving to be a brilliant team-building exercise. Riders hope to help top the 40,000 raised last year whilst enjoying a tremendous day out and sense of achievement. And the three team entries raising most money will win special prizes of Ultimate Outdoor Activities, sponsored by Hill House Hammond. These range from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and off-road driving.

Richard Westropp, chairman of the volunteer organising group for Action Medical Research, said: Were hoping for as great a response from local businesses as we had last year. Our 23rd annual bike ride is a perfect opportunity for organisations to nurture real team spirit. As work/life balance comes higher up the business agenda, Action 100 is a great way for employers to let staff know theyre valued whilst promoting both fitness and a positive involvement in the community.

Last years local teams included company teams from Barclays Bank and Matthew Clark. Many offer 'fund matching programmes, where employers match money raised in some proportion (often pound for pound). This type of gift can double or triple the value of donations. Some companies not only will match for current employees but also fund match for retired employees, spouses or members of their board of directors.

Action 100 cyclists have all day to complete the ride starting from Temple Meads Station through beautiful countryside to the Chobham Rugby Club in Surrey. Cyclists are fully supported with plenty of refreshment stops, a pub lunch at Theale and hot showers and beer available at the end. Return transport to Bristol and Bath is provided for both cyclists and their bikes.

Action Medical Research has been making medical breakthroughs for over 50 years, improving the health and quality of life for millions. Action Medical Research is currently looking for answers to a wide range of medical problems that affect all age groups. The charity has funded projects at Bristol-based St. Michaels Hospital, investigating the causes of premature birth, and research currently being supported by Action Medical Research includes premature birth problems, pre-eclampsia, epilepsy, stroke, dyspraxia, Parkinsons disease, osteoporosis and much more.

Any companies or individuals wishing to take part in the Action 100 Bike Ride on Sunday 29 August should contact Roy Clarke on 0117 970 6348 or visit www.action100ride.org.uk.

Notes to editors
Photography of last years Barclays Bank team whilst on the ride are available to accompany this story.

A leading national charity, Action Medical Research is improving the health and quality of life of everyone through its medical breakthroughs.

The Charity was founded in 1952 as the National Fund for Poliomyelitis Research, in response to the polio epidemic that was sweeping the country at that time. In the intervening years we changed our name to Action Research and have made breakthroughs in numerous other disabling diseases and conditions. We became known as Action Medical Research in September 2003.

Our support has been crucial in the development of life-saving polio and rubella vaccines, the artificial hip operation, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, new treatments for epilepsy, and discovering the link between taking folic acid and preventing spina bifida. Action Medical Research is currently looking for answers to a wide range of medical problems that affect all age groups. These include research into premature birth problems, pre-eclampsia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, dyspraxia, Parkinsons disease and osteoporosis. www.action.org.uk

For more information regarding the charity please contact Rob Orme rorme@action.org.uk the Action Medical Research press office on 01403 327404.

Please contact Jennifer Reid at Action Medical Research on 0117 9724 772 or email on jreid@action.org.uk for further information regarding the ride.