Prince praises pedallers!
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride has received a right royal blessing from none other than His Royal Highness, Prince Harry!The Prince, who had been invited to open this year’s special tenth anniversary Cycle 4 Cynthia taking place at Althorp this Sunday (by kind permission of his uncle, The Earl Spencer) is unable to attend but has instead sent a personal letter to all those taking part.
In it, he praises the success of the event, which has raised around £250,000 for its two benefitting charities, The Friends of Cynthia Spencer House and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county, since it began nine years ago. He also commends not only the riders but the vital marshals, volunteers and sponsors, and seems to imply that, had he been taking part, he would have chosen the 5 mile, rather than 50 mile route!
The letter is now available to view by clicking here and will also be on display at the start line of the ride on Sunday. As the event Chairman John Pinkham explained, that should act as a real spur as the cyclists set off; “We are obviously disappointed that Prince Harry cannot be with us but we hope that his generous words go some way to showing all those taking part how much their support is valued” he explained.
“It’s a particularly fitting touch because our tenth anniversary ride promises to be the best yet and so it is great to have this royal seal of approval!” he added.
Among those leaping into the saddle on Sunday are members of Girlguiding Northamptonshire who decided to get involved to improve their cycling skills as well as have a great day out. So what does 13-year-old old Polly from the 1st Bugbrooke Guides, think to the Prince's letter? "It's really exciting to get a special message from Prince Harry because it shows he really cares about the two charities and will be thinking about all those who are pedalling hard!" explained Polly.
Meanwhile Jessica, who is a team leader for the 3rd Daventry Brownies, says it will mean so much on the day; "If our legs start to feel tired as we cycle round, we'll just remember his words and hopefully that will give us a big boost of energy to help us keep going!" she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp this Sunday (22nd September) from 9am with riders again being able to choose from 5, 25 or 50-mile routes. Entry is £20 for adults, £10.00 for children and £50 for families and participants are then encouraged to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. Online entry and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.com while registration is taking place at Cynthia Spencer Hospice on the Kettering Road in Northampton this Saturday between 10am and 12 noon. Riders can also turn up at Althorp from 8am on the day. For more details please call Sue Bownass at the Friends on 01604 678088.