Charity spinathon gears up to beat brain tumours

We're getting on our bikes for a great cause next month as Business First staff take part in a charity spinathon organised by one of our Business First tenants, Karl Eltman.

Karl, who works for Blackburn property insurance specialists INET3, has put the wheels in motion for a four-hour indoor cycling session to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, after losing his mum to the disease last year.

The event starts at 11am on Saturday 25 February at DW Fitness at Lower Audley, Blackburn.

The fitness centre kindly loaned its spin studio to Karl, free of charge.

Karl said: “Sadly, last year I lost my mum to a brain tumour. Seeing the pain, suffering and upset experienced by my mum and those around her, it became apparent how common brain tumours are, and how little support those trying to fight this illness receive.”

Brain tumours are the deadliest form of cancer for children and adults under 40. However, just 1% of the UK’s cancer research funding currently goes towards fighting the disease.

Karl said: “I think the lack of funding is simply unacceptable. So I decided to do something about it.”

So far, Karl has raised £540 of his £2,740 target. All money goes to Brain Tumour Research. It's the UK’s only charity devoted to funding long-term, sustainable research into the illness.

The spinathon is split into hour-long sessions. Each features themed music, spanning genres such as the 80s, Northern Soul, rock and dance.

Karl said: “Four hours’ spinning equates to approximately an 80-mile bike ride, so we’re hoping as many people as possibly give whatever they can. In return, we’ll pedal like crazy and put in some proper graft!

“Please help me fund the fight - together we can find a cure. And I apologise in advance to anyone subjected to the sight of me in spandex!”

So far, Karl has recruited 21 spinners to join the team. Among them are friends, family and colleagues from INET3, where he works as Head of Complex Risk Underwriting.

Karl's Business First centre manager Scarlette, who looks after our Blackburn centre, is taking part, too, along with Ali from our head office marketing team.

Team members range in age from 16 to 50. Anyone interested in a fast-paced workout for a good cause is welcome to join the fun - for an hour or longer!

Fancy dress is optional – though Karl encourages his fellow spinners to don their lycra, wigs and sweatbands!

Find out more

To sponsor Karl, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Karl-Eltman

To get involved, email karl.eltman@inet3.co.uk