Mammoth bike ride raises money for Imperial College Union

Former ICU President cycles over 900 miles in 13 days - News

Friday 12 October 2007
By Naomi Weston

Cycling more than 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, former Imperial College Student Union President, John Collins, completed his mammoth cycle ride raising over £2,000 for the Union building redevelopment project.

After falling off his bike and breaking his arm on the first attempt, John has now recovered and completed his journey in 13 days.

"The journey had many ups and downs and I would describe it as the most demanding physical challenge I have ever undertaken," commented John. He added: "It is great to have raised money for the Beit Redevelopment project so that future students will have the opportunity to enjoy the improved facilities."

£1.2 million has already been invested into this Union project and building work on the first phase of the redevelopment has recently been completed. The next phase of the project will commence in early 2008 and the money will be used towards creating a new student activities centre which will provide a central hub for all the Union’s clubs and societies.

"Throughout my year as President of Imperial College Union I heard numerous comments from College and Alumni supporters who yearned to see Imperial students take a lead in raising money for the Beit project. This is why I decided to take the plunge and raise the profile of this project and as much money as possible by cycling from one end of Britain to the other."

Starting at John O Groats and descending down the UK, John cycled past Inverness, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Lancaster and through Cheshire, Gloucester, Wales, Somerset, Devon and eventually through Cornwall.

"I left Cornwall with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I feel enormously privileged to have enjoyed a front row view of Britain’s landscapes, cities and people over two weeks and I hope this journey has helped to raise the profile of the cause it was made in aid of," commented John.