Green may be a buzz word in many industries right now, but one architect has taken it to the extreme in a bid to raise funds for charity.
Nic Downs, 49,of London and Cardiff–based architects Holder Mathias, is cycling from London to Cannes to attend MIPIM, one of the largest property trade shows in the world, with the aim of raising £3,000 for charity in the process.
Nic has already raised around £1,800 for Cycle to Cannes, a grant making charity which raises funds for The Duke of Edinburgh´s Award, The Sarah Matheson Trust, Article 25, Tom´s Trust and Land Aid and also gives one–off grants to charities supported by its fundraisers.
Nic began his cycle in London on Thursday 11 March, setting off with a team of 85 riders that split into three groups. Each team will take turns in relay to cycle the full 1500km journey, with buses on hand to give those not cycling some much needed rest.
It means, individually, Nic will cycle a minimum of 120 kilometres a day, covering 720 kilometres (or, roughly 450 miles) in total over six days, before arriving in time for the start of MIPIM on Tuesday 16 March. Nic and his team will be stopping overnight in Calais on the first night, before staying in various destinations in France en route to Cannes.
Nic says: “I usually cycle around 2,000 to 2,500km each year in various events all over the country – believe it or not - in the pursuit of pleasure, fitness and good company.Last year one of our clients pitched up at my flat in MIPIM looking for a bed, having cycled down from London. So, with persuasion from a colleague, I thought it was about time I put my annual cycling efforts to better use and raised money for a very good cause.
“I started training just before Christmas, but nothing will completely prepare me for the journey ahead. It’s going to be tough, but the fact that the money raised will be going to a range of good causes will make all the pain worthwhile.
“I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far and would welcome any further donations to help me reach my £3,000 target. It’s also important to stress that the sponsorship target is exclusive of the cost of my participation, so it is by no means funding my trip.
“Obviously, by cycling to MIPIM, as well as raising money for charity, I will be cutting down on my carbon footprint. At Holder Mathias, sustainability is high on the agenda, so I was keen to practice what we preach and take up the challenge.”
MIPIM takes place annually in Cannes and attracts thousands of international investors. This year is the 21st annual MIPIM and will take place from March 16-19.
Anyone who would like to support Nic can do so by sponsoring him online at www.justgiving.com/nicdowns
12/03/2010