|  |  |  | | | | Arise Sir Beefy - Ian Botham knighted for fundraising for Leukaemia Research | | | | |
| |  Ian Botham
Release Date: 9 Oct 2007
As legendary for his fundraising feats as his cricketing, Ian Botham will meet the Queen to receive his knighthood for his tireless services to Leukaemia Research, the UK's leading blood cancer charity, on 10 October 2007.
Since the first John O’Groats to Land’s End walk in 1985, Sir Ian has completed 11 walks for Leukaemia Research including an epic trek through the Alps retracing the steps of Hannibal. His phenomenal efforts have raised millions to help find better treatment and cures for leukaemia and related blood cancers.
"I have walked thousands of miles for Leukaemia Research, and every step was worth it," says Sir Ian.
Cathy Gilman, chief executive of Leukaemia Research says: "Leukaemia Research is hugely grateful to Sir Ian. By spearheading the marathon walks he has raised the profile of the charity as well as raising much-needed funds for life-saving research. But he knows there is still a lot to do and he already has plans for fundraising walks and golf events in 2008."
Sir Ian’s next walk 'Beefy and Britain Beat Blood Cancer' is planned for October 2008. It will be supported by Marks & Spencer and will take place throughout the UK. For the first time individuals will be able to walk with Sir Ian in exchange for sponsorship. He will also continue his Charity Golf Series, which he successfully launched this year. For information on next year's walks,'Beefy and Britain Beat Blood Cancer,' contact Georgina Fitt at gfitt@lrf.org.uk.
"It’s great that I can combine my sporting passion with my commitment to raise much needed funds for Leukaemia Research. I have supported the charity since the mid-1980s, and am now its president," says Sir Ian.
His interest in helping Leukaemia Research started with an inpromptu visit to a children’s ward at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton in 1985. When doctors told him about leukaemia and its high fatality rate in children and teenagers, Sir Ian promised to do what he could to help. He fulfilled that promise with his first Land’s End to John O’Groats marathon walk.
"It was the start of a lifetime involvement with the fight against that terrible disease and other blood cancers," says Sir Ian.
Sir Ian became President of Leukaemia Research back in 2003, an honour bestowed on him by Leukaemia Research Patron, HRH The Duke of Kent. He was made an OBE in 1992.
You too can show your support for Beefy and his fundraising efforts. He's raised £millions thanks to people like you and you too can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/sirbeefy
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