Cure Leukaemia will be backed by another sizeable band of cyclists from an array of corporate supporters for this year’s Velo Birmingham & Midlands.

Several companies have already put together teams for this year’s event, a 100-mile closed-road course taking participants from Birmingham through Solihull and the Warwickshire countryside to Coventry – and the historic Coventry Cathedral – before returning to the Second City.

One business taking part in one of their first major fundraisers for Cure Leukaemia is South & City College Birmingham, who became a corporate partner last April.

“As a college we are really pleased that we are involved in this year’s Velo Birmingham & Midlands ride,” said Mike Hopkins, Principal of South & City College Birmingham.

“Each year we have an overall nominated charity which the college supports and for this year we have chosen Cure Leukaemia.

“Pioneering work on the disease is being carried out in Birmingham and we felt it a most appropriate choice because we are a Birmingham College and a number of staff and students have had the disease, and sadly a manager died of it just over a year ago.

“We have a college team taking part to raise vital funds for this wonderful charity and, as Principal, I will be riding along with other staff members who are keen cyclists and have already expressed an interest to get involved.

“We are extremely proud to be supporting Cure Leukaemia and helping to raise vital funds to help beat blood cancer.”

Other corporate partners taking part for Cure Leukaemia include Deutsche Bank, The Binding Site, Kesslers, caboodleand a group from the AA (Automobile Association) will also be switching their normal transport focus to take to the saddle.

Cure Leukaemia are one of Deutsche Bank’s two UK Charities of the Year, and members of staff from the Brindleyplace offices are also taking part in Velo Birmingham and Midlands.

“From Deutsche Bank we have 10 riders taking part – for some this is their first cycle challenge of this distance and we’re all very excited to be part of this fantastic event,” says Kerrie Rowson, GTB Technology Business Manager & Extended Leadership Forum Lead for Charities of the Year.

“The training is underway, we have our family, friends and work colleagues behind us, helping us across the finish line and importantly helping us to raise the vital funds to support one of our Charities of the Year in Cure Leukaemia.”

The leading Medical Diagnostics company The Binding Site, who have headquarters in Edgbaston and many subsidiaries across the world, have become regular and loyal supporters of Cure Leukaemia at fundraising events.

“Cure Leukaemia is a charity involved in vital and ground-breaking work, and we are proud to have enjoyed a partnership together for over five years,” said Katie Jowett, Head of The Binding Site’s charity committee.

“During that time our employees have regularly supported Cure Leukaemia by raising money at many different events, and this year’s Velo Birmingham & Midlands will be no exception.

“Our team are really looking forward to getting on their bikes and enjoying another fantastic experience, whilst at the same time raising funds for such an important and worthwhile cause.”

Another company who are taking part for Cure Leukaemia are Kesslers, an award-winning design and manufacturing company based in London.

“We are delighted to have a group of cyclists taking part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia,” said Guy Stanton, CEO of Kesslers.

“Five of our staff took part in the London to Paris event last year, and thoroughly enjoyed it, and are looking forward to getting back in the saddle to cover the 100 miles in May.

“The more we learn about Cure Leukaemia, the more we understand what a crucial role the charity is playing in the fight against blood cancer – both now and in the future – and we are delighted to be showing our support.”

Jackie Kelly, Cure Leukaemia’s Head of Corporate Partnerships, said: “We are delighted that once again so many of our corporate supporters are getting back on their bikes to take part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands.

“We really appreciate that level of support, and are looking forward to another fantastic cycling event and raising more vital funds to help leukaemia patients and continue progress towards eradicating all forms of blood cancer in the future.”

There is still time to take part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands for Cure Leukaemia with places for the 100-mile route and 42-mile route still available. To secure your place email velo@cureleukaemia.co.uk.