This September, six University of Manchester Faculty members from the department of Respiratory Medicine and staff from Asthma + Lung UK took on an inspiring challenge! The team of impressive researchers and clinicians opted to cycle from Wythenshawe Hospital to travel to their annual conference for the European Respiratory Society all the way in Amsterdam. 

Dr. Simon Lea, one of the Faculty members who cycled, stated that the main goals of the trip included promoting healthier living for the benefit of healthier lungs, raising money for The Asthma and Lung UK Charity and promoting sustainable business travel in line with the University of Manchester’s sustainability strategy. 

The team not only successfully reached their conference after three days cycling – both on and off road over a total of 300km – but also managed to raise over £7,000 to help fund essential lung research. The trip was documented in a short video, and you can experience more of their journey here! The trip was aided by our Sustainable Business Travel Top Up Fund. This fund covers any additional business travel costs incurred when choosing more environmentally friendly options, like rail or ferry, over flying. 

Congratulations to the team, which included Professor Steve Fowler, Professor Dave Singh, Professor Hannah Durrington, Dr John Blaikley, Dr Simon Lea, Dr Augusta Beech and Professor Jacky Smith. This inspiring story is a testament to how sustainability and community are closely entwined and can be used to drive, or in this case, pedal change.