Cycle4Cynthia set to attract record numbers
More cyclists than ever before are expected to sign up for this year’s Cycle4Cynthia event – with the organisers determined to attract more people and raise more money than ever before.The 2007 Nationwide Cycle4Cynthia, being held on Sunday, October 7, is now in its third year – with £35,000 raised last year for both Macmillan Cancer Care and the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
This year hundreds of cyclists are once again set to don their helmets and Lycra and bike through the streets, lanes and bridleways of Northamptonshire and the organisers are determined to beat their fundraising total.
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer, said: “We had around 500 cyclists last year but want even more this time round. Our aim is to beat the 1,000 mark in 2008 and to get as near as possible to it this year. Cycle4Cythnia is a key part of the county’s event calendar and a major fundraiser for two essential charities.”
Lisa Donald, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support Northamptonshire, added: “A startling one in three people are now touched by cancer and this is why support from people within the community is so vital to Macmillan Cancer Support. And let’s not forget that Cycle4Cynthia is also about having a fantastic time. Cyclists get to take part in a phenomenal event – and it’s one that all ages can enjoy.”
This year’s event will comprise of three routes – a 12 mile yellow route, the moderately demanding orange 25 mile route and a 50 mile challenging blue route.
Cyclists doing the 50 mile route will set off at 9am and 9.15am, the 25 milers will depart at 9.30am and the 10 milers will set off at 10am. All cyclists are asked to arrive at the start line – which is Nationwide Administration Centre in Moulton Park – at least 30 minutes before their starting time.
Cyclists and spectators will also be keen to know that there will be four pitstops along the routes – for cyclists to dismount, use the bathroom and have a well earned drink. These will be in the villages of Walgrave, Loddington, Naseby and East Haddon
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added: “Cynthia Spencer Hospice is at the heart of the community and essential to so many lives. That is why it’s more important than ever that we continue to have the support of the local community, so please join us at this very worthwhile event – and get on your bike!”
Entry is £10 per person and children under 12 go free. For details and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Notes to editors
· Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides a specialist health service for people whose illness is no longer curable. The hospice currently serves a population of more than 300,000 people and is a purpose-built 20-bedded unit.
· Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support for people affected by cancer. One in three of us will be affected by cancer and 1.2 million of us are living with it.
· With Gift Aid, to date Cycle 4 Cynthia has raised well in excess of £95,000.