Fullback follows in father’s footsteps!
Enrique was hot on the heels of his father Julio when he picked up a microphone, Michael famously joined his dad Kirk in the movies and course it wasn’t long after George Snr vacated the White House that George W moved in!
Well now Saints, England and world champion rugby player Harry Mallinder will follow a similarly laid parental path, emulating the role that his old man Jim performed back in 2015, when he opens Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month.
The event, which this year celebrates its fifteenth birthday, is the biggest fundraiser in the year for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Harry, who captained the England side to the World Under-20 Championship title in 2016, is looking forward to playing his further part in swelling the charity’s coffers; “I helped launch the ride earlier this year and was amazed to learn that Cycle4Cynthia has raised more than half a million pounds over the last fourteen years, which is a fantastic achievement as there’s really a no more deserving cause” explained Harry.
“I actually rode in the event back in 2012 with Dad so I know what a great day it is and I am thrilled to have been asked to top and tail this fundraising year by offering a few inspirational words to the hundreds of riders before firing the starting hooter.
“Having said that, Dad has pledged to pedal again this year so I guess I’d better keep it short and sweet as I don’t want to give him too much of a head start!” grinned Harry.
The fullback is the latest in a long line of Saintsmen to have supported the ride over the years, with former All Black, Bruce Reihana, Sam Dickinson and current England captain Dylan Hartley all performing the honours, while flanker and former England captain Tom Wood has also leapt into the saddle.
The Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, believes the Franklin’s Gardens favourite’s commitment to the charity is invaluable; “We are thrilled that, having launched the ride back in February, Harry is actively showing his admiration of the first-class end of life care that we provide to our patients in this way, as well of course the invaluable support we also offer to their friends and family” said John.
“We’re all the more pleased that Jim will be cycling too as the themes for this, the fifteenth year of ride, are fun, fitness and family, so we hope they’ll inspire lots of dads and sons, mums and daughter, aunts, uncles and grandparents to dig out their two wheels and join us!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd September at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, offering 5, 25 and 50 mile routes across the glorious Northamptonshire countryside.
It is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities and while it is not a race, there are prizes for the largest team, the biggest fundraiser and best fancy dress, while the Chairman’s Award is presented to the person or group who best represents the spirit of the ride.
For more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk or to register online, please visit the ‘Register’ page of this website.
Meanwhile to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.