International North West 200 has adopted children’s charity, Action Medical Research as its official 2012 charity partner. The leading UK wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children is closely linked to high profile celebrity and business committee SPARKS NI (Sporting Partners in Action) which regularly raises cash for Action Medical Research.

SPARKS committee member, Moto GP and local bike star Jeremy McWilliams helped launch the new North West 200 partnership alongside NW200 Technical Director Mervyn Whyte MBE, Action Medical Research Community Fundraising Manager Sarah Matzen and the charity’s official mascot Paddington Bear.

Outlining events planned for NW200 Race Week 2012, fundraising manager Sarah Matzen said, “We plan to hold a variety of fundraising activities kicking off on Sunday 13th May with a sponsored “Walk, Run, Cycle” around the 8.9 mile course. Paddington Bear will also be putting his best paw forward during May by visiting schools and encouraging children to take part in our special charity art and creative writing competition. Further events will be announced in the run up to Race Week. It’s wonderful for Action Medical Research to link up with one of Ireland’s top outdoor sporting events, especially as 2012 marks the charity’s 60th anniversary year.”

Monies raised during Race Week will be used to support three key research projects funded by Action Medical Research in Northern Ireland which are based at Queen’s University and the Royal Victoria Hospital. The charity is currently supporting the development of ultrasound and computing techniques to analyse fetal movement and so help prevent stillbirth as well as two projects investigating novel treatments for retinopathy of prematurity; a disease that can cause childhood blindness.

NW200 Technical Director Mervyn Whyte said, “Following a strong application and interview process we’re delighted to bring on board Action Medical Research as our official 2012 charity partner. Similar to the NW200, the charity has been operating for a long time and has supported incredible medical breakthroughs which have made a huge difference to the lives of sick and disabled children. Many of our NW200 competitors have also supported Action Medical Research through SPARKS NI and we felt the partnership was an important one particularly as 2012 as the charity celebrates its 60th anniversary.”

If you would like to register for the Walk, Run, Cycle or would like Paddington to visit your school, please email smatzen@action.org.uk for more information. Charity details can be found at www.action.org.uk.

Relentless International North West 200 Race Week takes place from 12th – 19th May – Race Day Saturday 19th May. Visit www.northwest200.org for up to date event information.