76-year old cyclist honoured at C4C 2013 launch!
A 76-year old member of a Towcester cycling club is among those to be recognised for his commitment to fundraising for Cycle 4 Cynthia at the special event to mark the launch of the county’s tenth favourite annual bike ride, staged last week at Franklin’s Gardens.
Keith Mason, who belongs to the A5 Rangers Cycling Club, was honoured with the Chairman’s Award at the presentation evening after raising around £5,000 since first participating in the ride in 2007. The prize rewards those who have ‘gone that extra mile’ for the ride which raises funds for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county.
“I was really surprised to get this award!” said Keith after being presented with his cup by Saints coach Jim Mallinder. “I’ve loved taking part in the ride each year, missing only the 2010 ride after I had a nasty accident on my bike and was catapulted over the handlebars.
"It was that time out of the saddle that made me realise how easy it is to take good health for granted, so if I can do my bit for these two marvellous charities, then I will!”
The presentation evening also saw trophies go to Peter Semler from Blakesley for best fancy dress, having cycled aboard a penny farthing at the 2012 event; to Chris Locke from Northampton for raising the most sponsorship money – an impressive £1,400, while the biggest team shield was awarded to Northampton-based building services firm Briggs and Forrester for fielding a 144-strong contingent of pedallers!
The evening’s celebrations were topped off with the news that last year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia raised a record £55,000, a figure which prompted Diane Saunderson, Chairman of Macmillan’s Northampton fundraising committee, to congratulate all those who took part in the ride last year at Althorp.
“Speaking on behalf of both charities, I can’t say a big enough thank you to all those who leapt into their saddles and raised such a wonderful sum of money,” she enthused.
“While none of us hopes we will ever need to make use of our services, there are those for whom our work is already vital and sadly that’s never going to change. This money will allow both the hospice and Macmillan to continue doing what it does so brilliantly, and for that we are incredibly grateful,” she added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2013, which is the ride’s tenth anniversary, offers riders the choice of 5, 25 and 50 mile routes will take place at Althorp on Sunday 22nd September by kind permission of the Earl and Countess Spencer. For more details on how to enter, or to pledge your business support, please call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.