Latest news with #SteveGriffiths
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Dudley cancer survivor to ride across Australia for charity
A former rally driver who survived throat cancer is embarking on a 4000-mile (6,437km) ride across Australia on a dirt bike to raise money for 'Sport' Griffiths, from Quarry Bank in Dudley, originally decided to take on the coast-to-coast challenge after a friend's wife was diagnosed with breast in 2023 he discovered he had oropharyngeal cancer, and had to postpone his trip while he had six weeks of chemotherapy and Griffiths, who still has trouble swallowing and needs to drink large amounts of water, said the ride would be a "huge personal challenge" and he hoped to raise thousands of pounds for two cancer charities. The 56-year-old will be carrying water pouches strapped over his shoulders, as his cancer treatment has severely damaged his salivary glands, leaving him with a permanently dry said he was passionate about raising money "to support research that will help find kinder treatments," due to his own experiences. Mr Griffiths will arrive in Brisbane on 17 June and face extreme temperatures during the ride - freezing at night and up to 34C in the will also be camping in the Australian Outback during the 24-day challenge."I'm told that camels and kangaroos like to run alongside vehicles and play, so that's another really dangerous hazard we all need to be prepared for," he said."I'll need to check my shoes [for insects and spiders] each morning, which I'm not used to, so it will be quite an experience." Mr Griffiths, who used to be a Peugeot rally driver and mechanic and now restores World War Two vehicles, is raising money for Cancer Research UK and the McGrath Foundation, a charity that provides cancer nurses in will be part of a team of five dirtbikers who will begin the journey at Steep Point, on the western Australian coast, and end in Byron Bay after seeking special permission to cross Aboriginal territory. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Red Arrows to fly past East Midlands Airport
The Red Arrows are set to carry out a flypast as part of a special event to mark the diamond anniversary of East Midlands Airport. The world famous aerobatic team will visible above the East Midlands Aeropark on the afternoon of Sunday 20 July. A Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also fly over the site on the same day, while a Dakota aircraft will conduct a flypast on Monday 21 July. The flypasts are part of a three-day event from 19 to 21 July to mark the 60th anniversary of the airport being opened by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on 21 July 1965. Visitors will also have the chance to see aircraft landing, taxiing and taking off from East Midlands Airport's event will include games, food stalls, community stalls, a bouncy castle and children's entertainment, which will run from 10:00 to 18:00 BST each day. East Midlands Airport's Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: "We're really grateful to the RAF for agreeing to treat the crowds to flypasts of some heritage aircraft, perhaps particularly poignant as we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War this year, as well as the ever-popular Red Arrows."
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
East Midlands Airport unveils major development plans near runway
East Midlands Airport (EMA) has unveiled major plans to develop parts of its at the airport said they had identified four plots of land, near the runway in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, totalling 123.5 acres (50 hectares) for new warehousing and car proposal could create more than 20,000 jobs as part of an expansion of its cargo operations, the airport are now being sought for the scheme. The plans, published on Wednesday, show three of the four development sites would have direct access to the runway through new taxiways and space to park up to 18 extra airport said 122,000 sq m of warehousing would be created along with 51,000 sq m of landside yard space.A recent study, commissioned by the airport, said there was potential to increase freight growth at the airport by 54% - to 583,000 tonnes - by study said that growth could boost the economy by £3.9bn and create 21,300 jobs. Airport managing director Steve Griffiths said EMA was already a major cargo hub with potential to grow said: "Our plan for growth will bolster the airport's pivotal role in powering UK trade, with tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic value set to be unlocked by enhancing EMA's cargo operation. "We have four plots, a completely open mind over how those plots should be developed and are open to suggestions for investment mechanisms that would unlock their potential." East Midlands regional mayor Claire Ward has backed the said: "East Midlands Airport connects our region to the world, and we need to get the most out of those connections to grow the economy in a way that lands here – boosting our businesses and bringing people together."EMA's cargo expansion is consistent with this objective and is a game-changer not just for us, but for the UK."Kegworth Parish Council told the BBC it was aware of the proposed a statement, it said: "The council remains committed to representing the best interests and wellbeing of Kegworth residents and will carefully assess the potential impact of any changes on the village and surrounding area."A formal response to the proposals will be provided should the Council be officially consulted on the matter."
Sharjah 24
01-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AUS, AWS collaborate to advance cloud-enabled research
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commented on the significance of the agreement: 'This agreement positions AUS at the forefront of cloud-powered research and academic innovation. By working closely with AWS, we are creating an ecosystem that enables our faculty and students to engage with the world's most advanced technologies and apply them to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is a strategic investment in our academic mission, institutional capacity and regional impact.' In parallel, the agreement establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence at AUS. This center will lead efforts to promote cloud adoption, develop governance frameworks and guide digital transformation initiatives across the university. Through targeted activities—including training programs, best-practice frameworks and knowledge-sharing platforms—the center will help expand internal AWS expertise and align cloud initiatives with the university's long-term strategic goals. AWS will also provide AUS with access to its technical experts and solutions architects, offering ongoing support to help design and optimize cloud environments that serve the university's research and academic needs. The collaboration includes AWS Immersion Days focused on AWS solutions related to research workflow enhancement, data analytics, cost optimization and cloud security. AWS-certified speakers will further engage with AUS through participation in on-campus research events. These events will highlight case studies, best practices and explore the practical application of cloud technologies in research, helping AUS scholars connect innovation with real-world impact. Dr. Steve Griffiths, Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research at AUS, added: 'This collaboration is foundational to the new research strategy being implemented at AUS. By integrating AWS cloud infrastructure into our research ecosystem, we are enabling our researchers to operate with greater agility, efficiency and security. It opens up new possibilities for how we evolve the research agenda at AUS.' The AUS–AWS collaboration reflects a shared vision for empowering higher education through cloud technology and advancing research, innovation and institutional excellence in the digital era. To learn more about AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AUS and Amazon Web Services collaborate to advance cloud-enabled research
Agreement includes immersive AWS training, expert support and a new Cloud Center of Excellence Collaboration aligns with AUS' digital transformation strategy and commitment to research, innovation and academic excellence Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah (AUS) is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to transform the university's research environment and accelerate the adoption of advanced cloud technologies across the university. Through this collaboration, AWS will provide AUS with technical, infrastructural and strategic support, enabling the university to strengthen its digital foundation and expand cloud fluency across its community. Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commented on the significance of the agreement: 'This agreement positions AUS at the forefront of cloud-powered research and academic innovation. By working closely with AWS, we are creating an ecosystem that enables our faculty and students to engage with the world's most advanced technologies and apply them to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is a strategic investment in our academic mission, institutional capacity and regional impact.' In parallel, the agreement establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence at AUS. This center will lead efforts to promote cloud adoption, develop governance frameworks and guide digital transformation initiatives across the university. Through targeted activities—including training programs, best-practice frameworks and knowledge-sharing platforms—the center will help expand internal AWS expertise and align cloud initiatives with the university's long-term strategic goals. AWS will also provide AUS with access to its technical experts and solutions architects, offering ongoing support to help design and optimize cloud environments that serve the university's research and academic needs. The collaboration includes AWS Immersion Days focused on AWS solutions related to research workflow enhancement, data analytics, cost optimization and cloud security. AWS-certified speakers will further engage with AUS through participation in on-campus research events. These events will highlight case studies, best practices and explore the practical application of cloud technologies in research, helping AUS scholars connect innovation with real-world impact. Dr. Steve Griffiths, Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research at AUS, added: 'This collaboration is foundational to the new research strategy being implemented at AUS. By integrating AWS cloud infrastructure into our research ecosystem, we are enabling our researchers to operate with greater agility, efficiency and security. It opens up new possibilities for how we evolve the research agenda at AUS.' The AUS–AWS collaboration reflects a shared vision for empowering higher education through cloud technology and advancing research, innovation and institutional excellence in the digital era. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
