BDP - the UK’s leading interdisciplinary design collective – have today launched “Cycle for Jo”, a fundraising challenge in honour of the landscape architect from their Bristol studio, Jo Yeates, who went missing and was tragically found dead on Christmas Day.

 As part of a series marking BDP’s 50th anniversary, “Cycle for Jo” is raising funds for the charity Missing People, who supported Jo's family during their search, Red Cross and RSPCA. It will involve over 180 riders from BDP on a relay tour around all of its studios in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

 The first team set off from BDP’s Clerkenwell office in London this morning and the last team will arrive back in London on 25 May. Members from BDP studios in Abu Dhabi and India will also join by cycling in their local areas.

 BDP’s Chief Executive Peter Drummond said, “We chose Missing People because they were a great support to Jo’s family and we hope that we can raise tens of thousands of pounds for this important charity as well as two of Jo’s favourite charities in her name.”

 Speaking at the event, Martin Houghton-Brown, Chief Executive of Missing People, said “Over 200,000 people go missing each year. Thankfully, the vast majority come home quickly, safe and sound. Sadly, for some families, the agony of not knowing is prolonged, and through the selfless generosity of the cyclists, staff and friends of BDP, the charity Missing People will be able to be there, to be a lifeline to hundreds more families.”