C4C 2010 – Record turn-out makes cycle ride Its ‘Magnificent Seventh!
Organisers of the countys biggest annual bike ride are celebrating a record turnout, making this years event – the seventh in its history - its best yet! More than 800 riders leapt into their saddles to take part in last Sundays Cycle4Cynthia at Franklins Gardens – the home of Northampton Saints - which raises money for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in Northamptonshire.
In bright but cold sunshine, Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris bid the cyclists happy pedalling as hundreds set off to tackle the 50 mile ride around his west-Northamptonshire constituency, followed a few minutes later by the 25 milers and the 5 milers.
Many of those taking part were doing so in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Those included the Northampton family Team Gess (pictured) taking part in the 5 mile route in honour of Gerard Easty who lost his battle with the disease earlier this year. Said his wife Lesley “Gerard absolutely loved cycling and despite having just had a major operation, and against the advice of his doctors, took part last year. He had fantastic care at the hospice and we just had to be here today. Its been a wonderful day and most importantly weve raised over £1000 for the cause. Well definitely be here next year...and we might even do the 25 miles!”
As well as the professional road bikes, mountain bikes and the more standard leisure bikes, some riders caused quite a stir by turning up on tandems, tricycles and other adapted two-wheelers/ / 17 year olds Stephen and Dan (pictured), who are students at Kingsthorpe College, impressed many with their low-rise BMXs on which they completed the 50 mile route well inside 5 hours. Said Stephen “Im here because my great-grandma Muriel died of cancer and I wanted to do this for her. Weve had a great day and its just been brilliant to be part of this amazing event!”
Last years ride, in which nearly 700 riders took part, raised £36k which was split between the two charities and while its difficult to say how much this years event might bring in, Chairman of the Cycle4Cynthia committee, John Pinkham, is confident that that figure will be exceeded. “What an incredible day! I want to say a massive thank you to all those who took part in what has become a really fantastic event in the calendar for Northamptonshire! Now I would simply encourage everyone to fill up their sponsorship sheets and get their money sent in so that we might hope to pass the £40k mark for these two wonderful charities.”
Riders who have kindly raised money for the event are asked to send their cheque, made payable to Cycle4Cynthia to C4C, c/o Sue Bownass, Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Health Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP