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Biochemistry researchers prepare for the inaugural Royal Parks London Half Marathon - News

Thursday 9 October 2008
By Naomi Weston

A group of biochemistry researchers from ������ý are in training for a half marathon in memory of visiting ������ý Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez, who were killed in July this year.

Laurent and Gabriel, from the Polytech' Clermont-Ferrand, France, were studying at Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences as part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), which provides opportunities for ������ý to participate in research at Imperial.

The researchers, who all knew Laurent and Gabriel, will be taking part in the inaugural Royal Parks London Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday 12 October. They are raising money for the charity Victim Support, an independent charity helping people cope with the effects of crime.

The researchers are preparing for the inaugural half marathon

The group has been training three times a week and many of the team are novices. Professor Steve Matthews, from the Division of Molecular Biosciences, who is leading preparations for the run, says: "Many of us in Life Sciences have been deeply affected by this tragic affair and our thoughts remain with those close to Laurent and Gabriel. We wanted to do something positive as a group to remember them and also to help us move forward.”

He adds: "We chose Victim Support because its volunteers across the capital provide lots of support for Londoners affected by crime.”

Professor Matthews is a regular jogger and hopes to run the half marathon in an hour and a half. "I'm looking forward to this as a team building exercise, and I hope we all get round. People have been very supportive so I hope more people sponsor us and come along on the day," he adds.

In addition, the runners will be wearing specially made vests on the day with 'In memory of Laurent and Gabriel' written on the back.

The group has raised over £4,000 so far and hopes to raise more. To sponsor them please visit:

The run starts and finishes at Hyde Park and takes in St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens along the way. For more information on the race please visit: