Probably the world’s best fundraising bike ride!
Staff from the Carlsberg UK brewery in Northampton are switching beers for their bicycles as they prepare to take part in probably the world’s best fundraising cycle ride - Cycle 4 Cynthia!The event, which last year saw more than 800 participants pedal their way to raising £40,000 for the two benefitting charities - Macmillan Cancer Support in the county and The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice - is this year taking place at its new venue of Althorp, the home of The Earl Spencer.
Chris Dowdy, who is Carlsberg UK’s team captain, explained why they’ve decided to join in. “Sadly, there are quite a few of us who have lost loved ones in the past couple of years to cancer, myself included, and some staff are coping with the disease in their families even now so we just felt we had to do something to try to help these two wonderful causes. There are about 10 of us signed up so far but I’m still recruiting!”
With 5, 25 and 50 mile routes to choose from, which will the team plump for? “I think we’re going to do 50 miles!” added Chris, “and I reckon by the end we’ll have earned a pint or two of our own lager to celebrate! We’re feeling really excited about it as we’ve heard it’s such a great event and of course it’s a perfect way of saying thank you to the charities for the remarkable work they do.”
Sue Bownass from The Friends is delighted that brewery’s staff are taking part – and as she explained, they’re not alone in coming forward for this year. “We’re really grateful to those firms who’ve been supporting us for many years, but it’s super to see so many new ones getting involved this year, including The Richardson Group, Cotters Insurance Services Ltd and Robert Wiseman Dairies. Fingers crossed this will be our biggest and best yet and maybe even reach the £50k we’re hoping for, which would be the perfect start to our new partnership with Althorp!”
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 £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families. For more details, including online registering and to download a sponsorship form, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com