Record numbers of cyclists get on their bike for Cycle4Cynthia
A record number of cyclists have taken part in Cycle4Cynthia 2008 – with hundreds of families, friends and businesses all turning out to raise money for charity.Over 600 cyclists took part in the five, 25 and 50 mile routes on Sunday, October 12th – raising thousands of pounds along the way for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Although in its fifth year Cycle4Cynthia 2008 had an all new line-up – a new venue in the form of Franklin’s Gardens, three new routes, revised distances, new and staggered start times and a celebrity appearance from Saints player Bruce Reihana, who officially started all three routes.
Sponsorship is now being collected and counted but organisers hope to raise considerably more than last year, when just under 400 cyclists took part and £35,000 was raised.
Lisa Donald, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part. So many of the event’s cyclists have been touched by cancer and this event has been a way of giving back to two very worthwhile charities. I spoke to one family who had lost their mum just four weeks ago. Taking part and raising money for the two charities through Cycle4Cynthia was a means of focusing on a positive and the same is true of many participants.”
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “What a fabulous turn out we had this year and a huge thank you to everyone who got on their bike and helped raise money for charity. Staging the event at Franklin’s Gardens was a huge success and we look forward to teaming up with the Saints again next year.”
Sue Bownass, from Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added: “The whole event has been just awesome and we are delighted to have seen so many new and familiar faces – all cycling to raise much needed funds for our two charities.”