Raymond Blanc becomes patron of Pedal for Yorkshire, and launches 2010 campaign to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Yorkshire

15 November 2009: 

Raymond Blanc was only too happy to swap for pans and parfait for a pushbike when he launched Pedal for Yorkshire 2010, a new fund-raising initiative which plans to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Yorkshire. In a further commitment to the campaign Raymond has also agreed to become Patron of Pedal for Yorkshire.
 
Before choosing a career as a chef, Raymond Blanc was a trainee nurse on a cancer ward in his home town of Besancon in France where he helped care for cancer patients.

Raymond said: “I was delighted to be asked to help launch Pedal for Yorkshire. Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses do a tremendous job and this new initiative encourages us all to get on our bikes for a fantastic cause.  Everyone in Yorkshire must get pedalling to raise money. Even a mile or two will help and you don’t have to be super fit to take part just get on your bikes and pedal. I must admit though, I may have a bit of trouble with the hills in some parts of Yorkshire!”
 
The first Pedal for Yorkshire event took place in September when a team of friends raised over £7,600 for Marie Curie. The success of this one off event, a coast to coast cycle ride organised by Fiona Movley, has led to the launch of Pedal for Yorkshire 2010. Fiona and an organising committee hope to encourage people from all around Yorkshire to get on their bikes for Marie Curie and organise their own fundraising events.
 
Fiona Movley said: “We are delighted that Raymond has come on board as our Patron to help us reach our target of £25,000 in 2010. There will be a number of events next year which Raymond will be involved in to raise money for Marie Curie and he has also pledged to get on his bike and join us on one of the rides.”
 
Pedal  for Yorkshire events will take place throughout 2010 culminating in a week in September when the total will be announced.  Anyone interested in organising an event should contact Tracy Calcraft for a fundraising pack at tracy.calcraft@mariecurie.org.uk or call Fiona Movley on 07736066007.    To keep up to date with all the news from Pedal for Yorkshire follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pedalyorkshire

For more information about Brasserie Blanc, visit www.brasserieblanc.com

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