C4C 2010 – The Battle of the bikers begins!
Who said size doesnt matter? Well, its certainly not true for some of the countys businesses which have already signed up to take part in this years bike extravaganza Cycle4Cynthia – theyre bidding to pedal off with the prestigious biggest team trophy!The event, which raises money for two charities providing care and support for people with cancer and cancer-related illness in Northamptonshire - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support - is scheduled for Sunday, September 26th.
While the ride itself is just for fun, the impressive shield, which is presented to the largest corporate team, is already being hotly contested. Chartered accountancy firm Grant Thornton have won the title for the last two years and are desperate to retain the honour. Said Steve Robinson “For Grant Thornton, the Cycle4Cynthia challenge ticks all the boxes/ / it promotes team work, healthy competition, a fitness culture, is an achievable challenge and most importantly delivers a focus for raising funds for two extremely important local charities. Bigger isnt always better but in this case it certainly is and we will aim to have the largest team once again!”
Meanwhile, Gilt Edged – who produce promotional products for businesses - intend to give them a run for their money. “ Last year was such a wonderful event and a great day out, and whats more, raising money for such good causes makes it all the more enjoyable. We know that we are not going to be the quickest team, so were concentrating on being the biggest this year - a goal well within our grasp!”
But the two will have a fight on their hands, not least from members of the Insurance Institute of Northampton who hope to have fifty riders in their team. Said member Chris Buesnel of Crawford and Company “The hospice is the Institutes chosen charity this year and when we heard about the event, we just knew we wanted to take part. That trophy is something we would love to proudly show on our shelves at work!”
Cycle4Cynthia 2010 will, for the third year running, link up with the Saints and the events three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the clubs home ground, Franklins Gardens.
Said John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “I love the idea that these firms are vying to have more entries than others as it shows their commitment to this fantastic event. Its not hard to see why it gets under their skins! This year were hoping to have at least 1000 cyclists take part with the aim of raising £50k and I know that the countys firms will play a big part in helping us achieving that. So Id really encourage companies to sign up – whether they put in a team of four or forty – we just want as many people as possible getting involved”.
Marcus Cox is Macmillan Cancer Support s new fundraising manager for Northamptonshire “Ive heard so much about Cycle4Cynthia and Im really looking forward to being a part of it this year! Its become a real fixture in Northamptonshires fundraising calendar and, with the help of Macmillan supporters, I know this year will be even better!”
“The charity has an annual target of £518,000 for the county alone and so the event is a key fundraiser for us, helping us to maintain the services we provide to the community. We would therefore urge as many businesses to register and raise sponsorship for this extremely important event for the charity.”
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added “We had a record-breaking year last year, thanks in part to the businesses who were generous enough to take part. Were confident that with even greater support from them this year, we can continue to offer five star treatment to all our patients at the hospice.”
To find out more about the event or to download corporate entry and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
To discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com