Cycle4Cynthia scores a try with support from Northampton Saints
Cycle4Cynthia, Northamptonshire’s annual charity cycle ride, is back for the fifth year running – with cyclists and sponsorship expected to reach a record high thanks to new support from Northampton’s Saints.The event – which raises money for two charities, which provide care, and support for people with terminal illness in Northamptonshire, The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support – is scheduled for Sunday, October 12th.
There will be three new routes, revised distances and new, staggered start times.
The routes – five, 25 and 50 miles in length - will all start and finish at the home of the Saints rugby team, Franklin’s Gardens. There is parking for up to 1,000 cars at Franklin’s Gardens, so this will enable the event – which has previously been held at Nationwide’s HQ in Moulton Park - to potentially double in size. Last year Cycle4Cynthia raised a record £35,000 for the two charities and more than 450 people took part. This year organisers expect the new venue and support from the Saints to attract hundreds more cyclists and are aiming to raise more than last year through entry fees and sponsorship.
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “We are very excited to be linking up with the Saints and are confident this strong partnership will enable us to attract even more cyclists and raise even more much needed funds for two charities. The event has been growing by 10 per cent every year but this year we are aiming to double in size.”
Keith Barwell, Saints Chairman, added: “Cycle4Cynthia has become a Northamptonshire institution over the past few years and the Saints is very happy to support the event in this way. I’m looking forward to seeing hundreds of cyclists at Franklin’s Gardens, all raising money for a fantastic cause.”
Lisa Donald, from Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “Last year was such an amazing day. We loved the fact there were children, families, friends and colleagues all cycling together and all smiling and having fun. Cycle4Cynthia brings two great charities together and people that take part really do help make a difference within the county.”
Sue Bownass, Community Fundraising at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added: “Cycle4Cynthia is one of our biggest annual fundraising events. The commitment of the people taking part and their dedication to helping their local hospice is inspiring. People of all ages get involved/ / some with friends, some with their families and some just ‘go it alone’. It\'s a great fun day not just for those taking part but also for those of us who organise the event whilst at the same time raising substantial funds for the direct benefit of all the patients at the hospice.”
The start line for all Cycle4Cynthia cyclists is the home of the Saints – Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton.
For individuals and companies entry is £10 per person, children under 16 go free and it is £25 per family entry (2 Adults & up to 2 children). For details and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.