A team of Christie staff is gearing up to take to the streets in the first ever Great Manchester Cycle - which has been given a royal 'wheel' of approval.

The event, one of this year's trio of massive sporting events in Manchester including the 10km run and an open water swim, takes place on the June Bank Holiday Monday 4 June, as the nation celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

To honour the momentous anniversary, staff from The Christie, the official local charity of the event, will pedal through the streets of Manchester wearing specially designed 'monarch masks'. In recognition of their tribute, organisers of the event have awarded each of the team the event number '60', to acknowledge Her Majesty's six decades on the throne.

The Christie staff team, who are raising vital funds for the Withington-based specialist cancer centre, is made up of Claire Murray, 31, Rachel Steele, 22, and Howard Newhall.

Speaking about the challenge, Claire Murray, from Didsbury, said:

"This event is a fun way for individuals and families to raise crucial cash for The Christie. We're really looking forward to whizzing along famous Manchester roads that are normally packed full of cars.

"I imagine there will be a real celebratory atmosphere, as not only will we be celebrating the Queen's Jubilee but also gearing up for a wonderful summer of sport all round."

Featuring a 13 mile lap starting and finishing at Eastlands and going past Old Trafford, the event will feature three different distances, catering for all abilities. It is a unique chance to cycle on the Mancunian Way amongst other roads closed to cars for the day.

Register your place to cycle for The Christie by visiting the Great Manchester Cycle website (http://www.greatcycle.org/). If you have already signed up and would like to support us, we would like to hear from you.

For further information, please contact the events team on 0161 446 3400 or events@christies.org. 

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