News: College rides miles in memory of Mariam

The memory of a treasured former Nottingham College engineering student is set to continue this Easter with a special charity campus bike ride.

Students and employees at the College will join anyone wanting to cycle for Mariam Moustafa, who sadly passed away last month following a violent incident in February, to raise money for her family to fly her body back to Egypt.

Starting at The Square outside Victoria Leisure Centre (Sneinton) at 8.30am, the 23 mile cycle route will cover seven college sites across the city and will culminate at the Lace Market Square outside the iconic Adams Building, at an estimated arrival time of 10.45am.

Participants taking part in the event are required to pay five pounds to cycle for Mariam, who was aged 19 when she died. In addition, people can invite others to pledge as much money as they wish via an available Nottingham College sponsorship form, which will all contribute towards the current target of thirteen thousand pounds needed to fly Mariam’s body.

To highlight the cause, riders have the opportunity to ride in true spirit, by wearing specially designed T-shirts featuring the College logo and Mariam’s face, although there is limited availability.

Aaron Todd, who is a Lecturer in Engineering at the college said:

“We felt it was important to organise such an event, so that her fellow students and other members of staff could show support to her family. Mariam touched the hearts of so many people at the College and in the local community, so it’s a pleasure to be able to do this for her and her family, and we welcome everyone who wants to get involved to attend.

“Easter Monday seems as good a time as any for the community to come together collectively to not only obtain donations but also to celebrate her life and support her family at this difficult time. The bike ride shows that we as a community care about each other within the College but also in the broader, wider community.”

The whole cycle journey is expected to last between two and three hours but will depend on individual fitness levels. Participants wanting to take part in the event but don't want to cycle, can be involved by being a Marshall along the route.

If anyone wants to register to take part or would like to find out about the Mariam’s Easter Monday cycle ride, please contact Aaron Todd at aaron.todd@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk or Mark Lawrence at mark.lawrence@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

You can find the cycle route on google maps: http://goo.gl/F85oZw.

Nottingham College have put together the following tips to ensure that all riders are safe during the bike ride and can best enjoy the bike ride:

1. Please make sure that your bike is road worthy. Brakes work and tyres are pumped up etc.
2. If you have a helmet, please wear it.
3. Take a spare inner tube (or two) tyre levers and pump.
4. Please download the map and familiarise yourself with the route.
5. Make sure that you're aware of any tram stops and potential danger spots before travelling.
6. If in doubt when going to a right hand turn, or crossing a major road. Dismount and cross over.
7. There is no shame in struggling. If you’re stuck up a hill, get off and push. We’ll wait for you.
8. It isn’t a race. Take your time and enjoy yourself.
9. Most of this ride, is on suburban roads, so please no wheelies and be safe.
10. Most of all and most importantly, enjoy the day and be proud that you have been involved.