Hooker dons helmet for Hospice!
England’s grand slam-winning rugby captain and Saints star Dylan Hartley will be swapping his hooker’s cap for a helmet in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice as he sets off the riders at Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month!
The front-rower, whose impressive sporting year continued when he led his country to a series whitewash over the Australians downunder this summer, will be firing the starting hooter at the cycling spectacular at Holdenby House on Sunday 25th September before himself leaping into the saddle to show his continuing support for the event.
As Dylan explained, he’s looking forward to adding another Cycle4Cynthia rider’s medal to his collection: “Three years ago my bike was stolen just before the event but that wasn’t going to stop me taking part so I borrowed a pink-saddled, fixed-gear bike and still managed to do 25 miles!
“In 2014 I couldn’t ride because the date clashed with a Saints game and last year, having just become a new dad, I watched from the sidelines, so I’m really excited to be back pedalling in this incredible event and hopefully encouraging others to do the same for what is such an amazing cause” he added.
Over 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities donned their lycra to take part in the 2015 ride last autumn, raising a record £76k for Cynthia Spencer Hospice. And with more than £400,000 raised over the last twelve years, it’s hoped that entry fees, sponsorship and sales of the special C4C cycling jersey might take the event’s total fundraising beyond the half a million pound mark in this, the Hospice’s 40th year.
Meanwhile riders are also reminded that, while there are no prizes for finishing first (for it’s not a race!), there are three trophies on offer; those for the largest corporate team to take part, most money raised by an individual and best fancy dress!
Cycle4Cynthia is taking place on Sunday 25th September at the new venue of Holdenby House, by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising after 2nd September).
More information, including details of the 5, 25 and 50 mile routes, entry and sponsorship forms, is available at this website or by calling the Hospice on 01604 678082. Cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride’s page on Facebook.