Countess Spencer helps hospice namesake!
The event is held for the benefit of The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, and Macmillan Cancer Support in the County. Last year this event saw more than 800 participants pedal their way to raising £40,000 for the two charities. This year organisers are hoping to attract more than a thousand riders, and to raise £50,000 – which would be a record for this fun, fundraising, event.Canadian-born Karen, who married the Earl at a private ceremony at Althorp in June, is the founder of Whole Child International, a charity that works to improve the plight of children in orphanages and institutions around the world. She remains CEO of Whole Child International, and last year the Dalai Lama joined her in Los Angeles for the launch of a Whole Child International initiative to assist institutionalised children around the globe.
“I was absolutely delighted to receive the invitation to start Cycle 4 Cynthia this year,” said the Countess, “as I know how important The Friends of Cynthia Spencer and Macmillan are, to the people of Northamptonshire. They deserve everyone’s support. I consider it a great privilege to be firing the starting gun to set the cyclists on their way. It’s going to be quite a spectacle, seeing all those riders gathered in the park at Althorp! I can’t wait to play my part in this very special day.”
On accepting the role, the Countess promptly arranged a private visit earlier this summer to Cynthia Spencer Hospice – named after her husband’s grandmother - in order to see its work, and that of the Macmillan team, firsthand. Sue Bownass of The Friends of Cynthia Spencer escorted the Countess on that day. “She is a truly charming lady and is clearly taking her role very seriously. We were able to show her around the unit and give her a real sense of the difference we can make to our patients and their families.” She added, “She seemed very impressed and indeed moved by her visit and we are so pleased that she has agreed to be involved in our event which will hopefully raise many thousands of pounds to help us continue our vital service.”
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2011 is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 25th September and will again offer cyclists the challenge of 5, 25 or 50-mile routes. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £30 for families. For more details, including online registering and how to download a sponsorship form, please click here.