Cycle4Cynthia back to pre-Covid glory with over £40,000 raised so far!
661 riders from across Northamptonshire and beyond took part in this year’s Cycle4Cynthia at Althorp on Sunday (25 September 2022), returning to pre-pandemic participation levels for the largest fundraising event in the Cynthia Spencer Hospice calendar.
As the mist lifted and the sun began to poke through, large deer antlers could be seen moving across the Althorp parkland as hundreds of cyclists gathered in the 'Event Village' for the first time since the pandemic.
At the sound of the klaxon, Earl Spencer – Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s Patron – and BBC Radio Northampton’s John Griff started the four different rides of 5, 10, 25 and 50 miles. Just two days after the event, the fundraising total is already over £40,000.
Edward 'Ed' Hawkins, a Response Officer with Northamptonshire Police, took part for the first time this year - cycling 50 miles in tribute to his late mother-in-law, raising an incredible £1,300. Ed said:
"It was such a lovely route! After 33 miles I started to find it difficult but the flapjacks at the pit stops along the way kept me going. I was compelled to take part as a way of giving something back for the exceptional care my partner's mum received as an inpatient at the hospice several times as well as in the comfort of her own home by the Hospice at Home team."
Piroto Labelling Limited stepped in as the headline sponsor for the first time this year, having been involved with Cycle4Cynthia and the hospice for many years. Piroto’s Managing Director, Leigh Mann, said:
"Cycle4Cynthia has been great for us as a business and the team’s been promoting it on LinkedIn to build awareness with our customers and suppliers. It’s a warm-up for us ahead of coming back as headline sponsor for next year which is our 50th anniversary. Although people keep saying to me that means I have to do the 50 mile route!”
Anita Frith, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity, said:
"It was incredible to see the event return to pre-pandemic rider levels with the largest gathering of participants since 2019. We’re so grateful to Earl Spencer and the Althorp Estate team for helping us create a great ride this year. And of course huge thanks to all our riders, volunteers and corporate sponsors for coming back together to join us in this fantastic celebration of cycling for the hospice. So far the event has raised £40,000 and we’re really hoping the final amount will smash through the £50,000 mark. This amount would be a real reflection of the amazing energy and love our supporters have for the ride and for the hospice as we continue to face fundraising challenges coming out of the post-pandemic period.”
Earl Spencer looks forward to this weekend’s Cycle4Cynthia as charity ride returns to Althorp
Earl Spencer, Patron of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which is named after his late Grandmother, is looking forward to cyclists from around the county coming together once again to take part in Cycle4Cynthia, the charity’s biggest fundraising event, at Althorp on Sunday 25th September.
Earl Spencer will officially start Cycle4Cynthia’s 5 mile route which, for the first time this year, is on completely closed roads - and mostly within the Althorp Estate - making it even safer for little ones. And the Cynthia Spencer Hospice team are also delighted to have the support of local BBC Radio legend John Griff who will officially start the other three routes – 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Earl Spencer commented:
“Everyone at Althorp looks forward to Cycle4Cynthia – it’s a wonderful, fun event, with a fantastic atmosphere, which raises a substantial amount for one of the county’s most-loved charities, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, I’m greatly looking forward to it.”
John Griff said:
“Cynthia Spencer Hospice has had such a big impact on the lives of so many people across Northamptonshire. As someone who has ridden in Cycle4Cynthia on more than one occasion, I’m delighted to be supporting this year’s event, it being the hospice’s flagship fundraiser, raising well over £500,000 since it began. I wish all the riders well and am sure it will raise lots of vitally important money for such a worthy cause.”
James Linnell, a regular participant in Cycle4Cynthia after his father received care from the Hospice team in 2010, said:
“We’re delighted that the event can go ahead this year at the beautiful Althorp Estate. Our whole family have taken part for many years to raise vital funds for the hospice who provided exceptional care to my late father.”
Participants can register and collect their rider packs on Saturday 24th September from the charity’s Fundraising Office at Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6RT between 9am and 12noon and from 8am on the day of the event.
Registration for the event will open from 8am on Sunday 25th September so cyclists can register on the day.
Cynthia Spencer Hospice appeals for headline sponsor for the nineteenth ‘Cycle4Cynthia’
The much-loved Northamptonshire charity, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, is seeking a prominent local business to come to the rescue as its headline sponsor for Cycle4Cynthia – the flagship fundraising cycle event returning to Althorp Estate on 25th September.
A new 10 mile route has been introduced this year ideal for the more adventurous families who may have outgrown the 5 mile route which, for the first time this year, is on completely closed roads making it even safer for little ones.
Goodrich Consulting are joining the sponsorship line-up for the first time this year and property and letting sales company, Chelton Brown, are staying in the sponsorship saddle for the 8th year running.
The charity is also appealing to the county’s cyclists to sign up for the bike ride as a fun, family-friendly, day out while supporting a good cause – with a bouncy castle, face painting and other attractions for little ones and families to enjoy together.
Olivia Smith of Goodrich Consulting said:
“Cynthia Spencer Hospice is a charity that has touched the hearts of so many over the years, which is why Goodrich Consulting is immensely proud to be supporting them for another year.
Over the past few weeks, the team have squeezed back into their lycra and have been clocking up the miles in preparation for the mammoth 50 miler in September. We are thrilled to be putting on the Cycle4Cynthia jersey again and riding alongside our clients and colleagues across the Northamptonshire countryside for such an incredible cause.”
Chelton Brown Director, Edward Chelton Brown, said:
“Chelton Brown are proud to be part of Cycle4Cynthia again this year. Cynthia Spencer does so much fantastic work locally giving care to those who need it most so it’s great to be able do our part in supporting them. Cycle4Cynthia is always such a fantastic day that the team look forward to taking part in. We hope to see even more people than ever taking part and look forward welcoming them across the finish line.”
Nina Gandy, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer, said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses for Cycle4Cynthia which helps us continue providing amazing care to the people of Northamptonshire. We are delighted to welcome Goodrich Consulting for the first time and to welcome back our long-standing sponsors Chelton Brown, EMW Law LLP, and Heygates Ltd but we still have room for our headline sponsor. If any businesses would like to talk to me about this sponsorship opportunity, I’d love to hear from them on 01604 973348 or email nina@cynthiaspencer.co.uk.”
The 2021 event was the first live event the hospice could hold since the start of the pandemic and raised an impressive £40,043 for the hospice.
Registration for this year’s event is open online at www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk/registration/C4C2022 and teams can also register by calling the fundraising team on 01604 973340. For further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on the number above or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s flagship fundraiser rides again with a return to Althorp Estate
Cycle4Cynthia, the flagship fundraising event organised by Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity to raise money to support the care provided by the hospice, will take place at the Althorp Estate on Sunday 25th September 2022 with organisers promising lots of exciting new additions to the event.
Event organiser Sarah Denston explained some of the changes that have been made to offer more choice to riders including a new route: “We’ve planned to add a 10 mile route for some time as we know many of our younger participants have wanted to ride this distance and we’re very pleased that our hosts, Althorp have helped make this possible.
“For those tired, aching legs we’ll be providing a massage station which we’re sure will be very welcome to our riders when they’ve finished their routes while for the little ones we’ll have a bouncy castle, face painting stall and other attractions so families can make even more memories of their day.”
The 2021 event, the first live event the hospice charity had been able to hold since the start of the pandemic, raised £40,043 for the hospice. ‘Team Rawsthorne’, who raised £1,937 in memory of Tom Rawsthorne, who passed away in 2020 after a long battle with cancer, come out as the top fundraising team.
Tom’s brother, Sam said: “Tom and I originally did the Cycle4Cynthia ride together in 2013 when he had first beaten his cancer but unfortunately it came back again and Tom sadly passed away in March 2020, after receiving care from Cynthia Spencer’s hospice@home team. It’s incredible what the nurses do, it’s so important at that time, especially near the end as it’s very stressful for families so making sure someone’s at ease, it’s massive, it really is.
“The hospice is something everyone in Northampton can relate to and connect to so we didn’t have to do a lot of banging on doors to raise money! We shared our fundraising page on social media and with help from friends we spread the word to reach a great fundraising total. A team of us representing Tom will definitely be signing up for this year’s Cycle4Cynthia too!”
Anita Frith, director of income generation explains why it’s so important that as many people as possible get on their bikes for the hospice this year: “The last two years have been extremely challenging for our charity to ensure we are still able to support the amazing care that the hospice provides to the people of Northamptonshire. We’re still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and what we really need is the support of the people of Northamptonshire to help the hospice, just like the hospice has been there for them and their families over the years.
“We’ve thrown down a challenge to everyone taking part to try and raise at least £250 each and if everybody manages this, the total fundraising will make a huge impact on our annual fundraising for the hospice.”
Local businesses have come together to help Cynthia Spencer
Hospice’s flagship event, Cycle4Cynthia, go ahead this year and organisers are thrilled by the support received so far for September’s big fundraising bike ride.
Corporate fundraiser, Nina Gandy said: “This year’s Cycle4Cynthia is so important for the hospice. Not only are we celebrating its 45th birthday, the Cycle4Cynthia event also turns 18 this year too! After it’s been so long since we held a live event we can’t wait to see our supporters and volunteers together again and welcome them to Lamport Hall on 19th September to cycle our 50 mile or 25 mile routes.
“Events like this are only made possible through the support of our corporate sponsors and we’re incredibly fortunate that in addition to our headline sponsor, EMW Law LLP, these wonderful busin4esses have come to the fore to help us get Cycle4Cynthia back on the road! We’d also like to thank Linnell Bros who are sponsoring our ride guide and pitstop sponsors Haddonstone Limited and Heygates Limited.”
Triad, the creative digital agency based at Holdenby House have been supporting Cynthia Spencer by maintaining the event’s registration website, www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk,
for many years, as well as cycling in the event as a team. Chris Timm, marketing director at Triad said: “As always, it is an honour to be able to continue to support the hospice each year and the phenomenal work that they do; the resilience they have shown through the pandemic has been remarkable.
“Over the past year it has been our priority to ensure we look after the health and wellbeing of Triad’s staff during what has been a challenging time for us all. We have actively encouraged our team to take time away from their desks and get out in the fresh air, whether that be for a walk with the dog, a run around the block or a lunch time pedal in preparation for Cycle4Cynthia!”
Another long-time supporter of the event are property lettings and sales company, Chelton Brown who sponsor the event’s coveted medals and according to managing director, Sali Brown, this support is very much part of the company’s history too: “Chelton Brown have now been part of Cycle4Cynthia for almost 10 years. The hospice is a charity that touches the heart of so many local people and the directors and staff are proud to support the event.
“We love seeing the determination on the cyclists’ faces, both young and old, as they start the ride and then the amazing sense of achievement as they cross the finishing line and we present them with their medals. We have endured heavy rain and gale force winds and delighted in sunny days and warm breezes, the fantastic feeling of being part of a great event never changes. We wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
All riders taking part will also proudly sport their rider numbers which are kindly sponsored by car leasing company, Silverstone Fleet Management. Account director, Scott Norville commented: “As a team, we have always joined everyone for Cycle4Cynthia as it’s such a great event. This year it gives us all great pleasure for Silverstone Fleet Management to be one of the main sponsors.
“Cynthia Spencer is our corporate charity of the year for 2021 and has been for the past 4 years, and we are really looking forward to this year’s Cycle4Cynthia!”
Registration for this year’s event is open online at www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk/registration and teams can also register by calling the fundraising team on 01604 973340. For further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on the number above or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Cycle4Cynthia’s back on the road for the hospice’s 45th birthday
Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s biggest fundraising event is back on two wheels and is welcoming riders to come along to Lamport Hall on Sunday 19th September to raise money for the hospice in its 45th anniversary year.
After last year’s cycle had to become a virtual ride, organisers are thrilled to be able to bring back the true Cycle4Cynthia experience for 2021 while also giving those who aren’t quite ready to attend ‘in person’ events, the chance to still feel involved.
Organiser, Sarah Denston said: “We’ve got 50 mile and 25 mile routes all planned out for riders leaving from the stunning surroundings of Lamport Hall which, as usual, take in the very best of the Northamptonshire countryside. And for those who fancy a different route, our virtual event lets riders choose their own distance and route from their own front door plus the flexibility of riding any time over the weekend of 18th – 19th September.
“We can’t wait to get together again with our wonderful volunteers, who are such a crucial part of Cycle4Cynthia, and bring this fabulous cycle ride back for our riders and supporters to enjoy. This year we’re asking participants to raise as much as possible for the hospice to celebrate our 45th anniversary of caring for our community.”
Early bird discounts are available until 19th July so eager riders are advised to register as soon as possible in order to save £5 per adult.
Cycle4Cynthia is supported once again this year by gold headline sponsor, EMW Law LLP. Joy Vollans is CEO of the company, which has been providing solutions to meet clients’ needs in the county since 1992, and says they are thrilled to be extending their long-standing support of the event: “We are absolutely delighted to be gold headline sponsor again this year and of course, as we have done for several years, we’ll also be leaping into our saddles to take part in the ride itself” explained Joy.
“Whatever the weather, pedalling past the finishing line to the cheers of our colleagues, friends, families and the other riders is a fabulous feeling and knowing we’re raising funds for Cynthia Spencer whilst doing something we enjoy is brilliant, so we hope many more will join us!” she added.
For further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, is used to having the backing of hundreds of local cyclists, but the Covid-induced cancellation of this
year’s planned event at Lamport Hall has meant that those from the other side of the world have also been leaping into their saddles for this most deserving of causes!
The ride, which raises thousands of pounds for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice every year, couldn’t take place last Sunday, with those with two wheels instead challenged to pedal anywhere, anytime and anyhow throughout the month of September, so enabling regular Cycle4Cynthia participant Andy James to leap into the saddle, despite now living in Shanghai!
Andy, who first rode in the event back in 2010, recruited his four-year-old twins Oliver and Finlay to join him on his pedal around some of the city’s famous landmarks and says that, despite now being thousands of miles away, it remains a cause dear to his heart: “When I worked in Northampton, I used to be part of my company team which rode in memory of our factory manager after he spent his final days at the hospice, so I know what an amazing place it is and just wanted to show my support from afar” explained Andy.
‘The boys love being out on their scooters too and they’re just beginning to learn how important it is to think of, and care for, others, so it was great to pass on the Cycle4Cynthia bug to them for the first time and hopefully they’ll take part for many years to come, wherever they may be in the world!” he added.
Despite being a little closer to home, London-based Rickard Barbet, who grew up in south Northamptonshire, took the opportunity to demonstrate his support of his
home county’s hospice by choosing one of the country’s most iconic cycling routes for his 50 miles: “I’m lucky enough to live close to the 2012 Olympic road race circuit, so when they declared that ride wasn’t happening as it normally would, I thought it would make a perfect alternative for my virtual C4C this year” explained Rickard.
“Sadly, there weren’t hundreds of spectators on the roadside at Box Hill to cheer me on as there would have been for the Olympians, but I felt just as proud to pedal, knowing
that I was doing my bit for such a deserving charity” he enthused.
Meanwhile Michael Leszczyszyn from Northampton was one of hundreds of more local riders to take to the county’s roads for his seventh consecutive Cycle4Cynthia, electing to
follow the 50-mile route designated by the event organisers earlier in the year.
“I’ve lost both my parents to cancer, not to mention a number of friends and colleagues, so even though I knew it wouldn’t be quite the same this time, pedalling
alone, I was determined to keep up my annual challenge and help raise a bit more money” revealed Michael.
“The only thing is, I hadn’t done as many hours in the saddle in preparation this year, so my legs were a bit sore the next day but that was a small price to pay and I’ll make sure that, when we can all get back together for next year’s ride, I’ll be fighting fit again!” he grinned.
Those optimistic sentiments were echoed by Hospice fundraising manager, John Helm, who says that he and his team are already planning for something special in 2021: “Next year marks not only C4C’s eighteenth birthday but also the Hospice’s 45th, so we’re already thinking about ways in which we can celebrate those remarkable milestones and make the year one to remember” said John.
“In the meantime, we’re incredibly grateful to all those who, despite missing out on what we know would have been a wonderfully atmospheric day at Lamport, showed their much-needed support by doing their own ride and, with a few days left in the month, we hope others may yet get out on their bikes for us!” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia, which was again sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW, has swelled the Hospice’s coffers by more than £600k over the last 16 years, and more recently has also helped to fund its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
It has previously been the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Cynthia Spencer and while it will be some time before it is known exactly how much this year’s event has raised,
riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money and post a cheque, made payable to ‘Cycle4Cynthia’, to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Northampton NN3 6RT.
Participants are also encouraged to post photos of their wearing their C4C medal, generously sponsored by letting and sales agent, Chelton Brown, on the ride’s social media platforms - @cycle4cynthia – in the hope of creating a celebratory online gallery.
To register for the ride before the end of September, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website.
Meanwhile, for further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice, or to pledge your donation in support of this year’s riders, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, may not be going ahead this weekend as was originally planned, but there are plenty of silver linings to this particular cycling cloud!
You see, the Covid-induced cancellation of the mass event at Lamport Hall, with riders instead being offered the chance to show their support for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice by cycling anywhere, anytime and indeed anyhow throughout the month of September, means players at Northampton Saints – whose Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter on Sunday would have prevented their pedalling – are getting involved!
The club, which hosted the ride in its early years, has seen a number of first team members leap into the saddles of their static bikes to demonstrate their backing for the charity event, including Harry Mallinder and James Grayson, who respectively opened the last two years’ rides, and England’s Six Nations full-back, George Furbank.
Meanwhile, not to be outdone by their sporting neighbours, stars of newly-promoted Northampton Town have also been getting in a spin in aid of this most deserving of causes, with club captain Nicky Adams and defender Joe Martin among those to endorse Cynthia Spencer and its bid to fundraise over £1m needed every year to help provide unrivalled, specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients as well as vital support for their families.
For Hospice fundraising manager John Helm, having the county’s sports stars on board is a massive boost in what has been a difficult year: “The decision to cancel our usual annual gathering for the safety of all those involved was not taken lightly, but we’re thrilled that, in making it a month-long, virtual ride, some of our top sportsmen have been able to participate in their own unique way” explained John.
“With half of the month still to go, there’s plenty of time for those with two wheels to follow suit and ride our routes when they wish or create their own route in their neighbourhood, which will hopefully go to recouping some of the quarter of a million pounds we’ve lost this year because of the absence of so many of our fundraising activities.
“Of course the other benefit of this change of plan is a rather selfish one, because instead of me and my team fretting over how a poor weather forecast might affect our turnout, it really doesn’t matter whether it's raining, hailing or sleeting on Sunday, as riders can simply just pick a different day to pedal!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, again being sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW, has swelled the Hospice’s coffers by more than £600k over the last 16 years, and more recently has also helped to fund its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
Entry is now £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families and all riders will still receive their Cycle4Cynthia medal, generously sponsored by lettings and sales agent, Chelton Brown, regardless of when and where they choose to ride.
To enter this year’s virtual Cycle4Cynthia, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website, while you can keep up to date with latest news by liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
All those signing up are politely informed that Lamport Hall will be closed this Sunday, so there will be no on-the-day registration, no parking, no other facilities available, nor indeed any marshals or pitstops. In addition, the planned 5 mile route, which would have necessitated a road closure, is not being offered but instead riders choosing that distance can cycle their own route closer to home.
Having completed their ride, participants are also encouraged to post photos of their wearing their medal on the ride’s social media platforms - @cycle4cynthia – in the hope of creating a celebratory online gallery at the end of the month.
Meanwhile for further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride may have suffered a small proverbial puncture, but it’s hoped that cyclists will still turn out in force in support of arguably the county’s most deserving cause.
Cycle4Cynthia, the annual event which has raised almost £600k for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in its sixteen-year history, was due to take place at Lamport Hall on Sunday 20th
September but, following latest government guidelines, the centralised event will not now go ahead.
Instead, riders are encouraged to pay their entry fee as usual but pedal their own ‘virtual Cycle4Cynthia’ any time during September, something which the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm hopes will in fact enable even more people to get involved this year: “We were really sorry to have to take this difficult decision because we know how much people enjoy coming together for what is always an impressive display of lycra and love for the Hospice, but the health and safety of our cyclists must come first” explained John.
“However, the silver lining to this particular cloud is that we’re designating September as Cycle4Cynthia month, giving those who might previously have been unable to join us on the on 20th or who were perhaps wary of being part of a mass gathering the flexibility to do the ride at their convenience and wherever they choose.
“What that means is that we hope the county’s roads will be overflowing – safely of course – with hundreds of cyclists throughout September and look forward to seeing the many photos of the various locations that have been pedalled, which we’re hoping they will share on our social media platforms once they’ve completed their own ride” he added.
“The other bonus is a rather personal one in that, having watched riders have such a great day for the twelve years that I’ve been brandishing my event director clipboard, I can now put my money where my mouth is and actually jump into the saddle and ride myself!” John enthused.
Among those to show its continuing support for the event despite the change of plan is leading commercial law firm EMW which, in acting as headline sponsor for its third year, is demonstrating the kind of commitment that the Hospice needs more than ever, as CEO Joy Vollans reveals: “We’ve taken part in the ride for several years so, while we’re sorry that it won’t be quite the same this year, we completely understand the reason behind offering this more than happy compromise and are looking forward to getting on our bikes to show our support nonetheless” explained Joy.
“Crucially, we invite anyone with two wheels to sign up and give, what is in essence, a much-needed donation to the Hospice and, as the team estimates that its financial reserves are down by almost quarter of a million pounds over the last six months because of the COVID effect on their fundraising activities, we know that will be even more gratefully received” she added.
Proceeds from this year’s virtual Cycle4Cynthia will help to fund not only the Hospice’s specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients and vital support for their families, but also its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
Entry is now £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families, while those who have already registered will be contacted with details of the change of format. All entrants will receive the GPX codes for the original 25 and 50 mile distances, should they wish to start their ride at any point along those routes, in their registration pack, alongside their Cycle4Cynthia medal, which is again generously sponsored by lettings and sales agent, Chelton Brown. However, anyone considering following those routes is advised that Lamport Hall will be closed, so there will be no on-the-day registration, no parking, no other facilities available, nor indeed any marshals or pitstops. In addition, the planned 5 mile route, which would have necessitated a road closure, is not being offered.
Finally, having completed their ride, participants are encouraged to post photos of their wearing their medal on the ride’s social media platforms - @cycle4cynthia – in the hope of creating a celebratory online gallery at the end of September.
To enter this year’s virtual Cycle4Cynthia online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website, while you can keep up to date with latest news by liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
Meanwhile for further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride has received a massive boost thanks to a message of support from none other than former Olympic champion, Chris Boardman MBE.
The cyclist, who picked up Britain’s first gold – indeed the nation’s first in the sport for 72 years – at the 1992 Barcelona Games, sported the Tour de France yellow jersey on three separate occasions and broke world records no less than seven times, has now swapped professional pedalling for promoting the joys of life in the saddle and is urging all those with two wheels to sign up for next month’s Cycle4Cynthia, the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for the county’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Alongside running his highly successful eponymous bike and performance centre businesses, Chris’ latest role as Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester sees his striving to ensure that those who live and work in the city have a viable and attractive alternative to using cars but, as he explains, he won’t be happy until that’s the national norm: “I took part in my first bike ride aged 13 and spent the following twenty years at the very top of and while I am of course really proud of all my medals, achievements and accolades, I hope that one day I’ll reflect on how I was able to use my influence to make this country as cycle-friendly as possible” said Chris.
“However, it’s not just about pressing for fewer potholes, more cycle lanes or lowering speed limits, it’s also about encouraging everyone to experience the physical benefits and mental wellbeing that come by being behind handlebars rather than the steering wheel.
“I always say it’s amazing what you can discover just pedalling along and it seems to me that, with the added bonus of knowing you’re supporting the best of causes by entering this wonderful event, Cycle4Cynthia is the perfect excuse to do just that!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, which has swelled the Hospice’s coffers by more than £600k over the last 16 years, will go ahead on Sunday 20th September, with plans currently in place for a carefully controlled, socially distanced event at Lamport Hall. Alternatively, riders can also generously pay to enter but pedal their own route from their front doors.
Hospice fundraising manager John Helm says the team is monitoring government guidelines closely to ensure the safety of all of those taking part, which is why, after the challenges of recent months, he and his team are so thrilled to have the cycling champion’s backing: “As one of the nation’s most talented and popular sportsmen, who is now as passionate about sharing his love for cycling as he was about winning titles and breaking records, who better an advocate for this year’s ride than Chris Boardman?!” said John.
“Indeed, his endorsement could not be more timely because, with the cancellation of many of our fundraising activities during lockdown still taking its toll on our financial reserves, we really need all the support we can get right now and hope therefore that everyone will be inspired by Chris’ rallying call and sign up to take part” he added.
Proceeds from this year’s Cycle4Cynthia, which is again being sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW, will help to fund not only the Hospice’s specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients and vital support for their families, but also its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families and riders are politely advised that, in the event of the centralised event at Lamport being cancelled, entry fees will not be returned and considered a generous donation to the Hospice.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website, while you can keep up to date with latest developments, based on government guidelines, by liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
Meanwhile for further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
It may have finished off the FA Cup final, seen Wimbledon whitewashed and even overcome the Olympics, but the team behind the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride are adamant that COVID-19 won’t have them running for cover!
Which is why, with some creative logistical tricks up their lycra sleeves, should they be needed, plans are still in place for Cycle4Cynthia - the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice – to take place on Sunday, 20th September.
The event, which has brought in more than £600k over the last 16 years, is a highly anticipated fixture in the diary of the hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities who take part each year, for whom it is a wonderful way of saying ‘thank you’ for the remarkable Hospice care given to their loved ones, and that’s why fundraising manager, John Helm, is offering some welcome words to those already keen to enter: “We’re keeping everything crossed that social distancing rules may have relaxed come the big day and, if so, we will do everything possible to ensure that riders can take part safely and are able to enjoy another fabulous day, even if we will have to throw a medal at them rather than hang it round their neck at the finishing line as we usually do!” said John.
“However, if mass gatherings are not allowed, or if cyclists would simply prefer not to assemble with others for health reasons, we are also planning a parallel virtual event, encouraging cyclists to pay their entry fee and raise sponsorship if they can and then pedal from their front door instead, which means that the spirit of the ride can still be felt right across the county!” he added.
With the cancellation of many of its fundraising activities during lockdown taking its toll on the Hospice’s financial reserves, any monies raised will be all the more vital and it is why, in whatever way it goes ahead, Cycle4Cynthia will yet again enjoy the support of Kettering’s C&D Cycles.
The bike shop’s own cycling club has entered a team into the event for a number of years and club secretary, Andy Ferguson, says that now, more than ever, is the time for those with two wheels to demonstrate their support for such an amazing cause: “We’re really hoping that we’ll be able to gather at Lamport in September to yet again experience the wonderful camaraderie of the day, but of course it’s important to remember that it’s really a day for offering thanks to the hospice and the team for the amazing care they provide for their patients and families, so if we have to do that from our own doorsteps to stay safe, so be it” explained Andy.
“I’d therefore urge anyone with a bike to sign up regardless because, whether together or apart, I can guarantee that the warm feeling they’ll get at the end of their ride, knowing they’ve done their bit when it was most needed, will seem even more special this year!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2020, which is again being sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW, will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall, subject to the latest social distancing rules.
Proceeds from the ride, which this year will offer its 25 and 50 mile routes only, will help to fund not only the Hospice’s specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients and vital support for their families, but also its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families and riders are politely advised that, in the event of the centralised event at Lamport being cancelled, entry fees will not be returned and considered a generous donation to the Hospice.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website, while you can also keep up to date with latest developments, based on government guidelines, by liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
Meanwhile for further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
It’s not been that long since you couldn’t find toilet roll for love nor money and now it seems that, with a recent rise in those leaping into their saddles to get around during lockdown, laying your hands on a new bike is proving to be just as tricky!
So, with the passion for pedal power never higher, organisers of the county’s biggest annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, held in aid of Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice, are hoping that newer cyclists, and those who have been donning their lycra for years, will sign up for this year’s ride and help to ensure it is the biggest and best yet.
Among those with first-hand experience of the recent push for pushbikes is Iain Noy, who runs ten Leisure Lakes Bikes stores across the UK, including one at Daventry, which each year generously provides technical support to riders at the event.
Iain says that with cycling being one of the few sports allowed from the start of the crisis and with more people who are returning to work ditching four wheels in favour of two, he’s never seen anything quite like it: “We, like most other retail outlets, closed at the beginning of all this, but as soon as the government announced that bike shops could continue to trade, we opened and so did the customer floodgates!” revealed Iain.
“In fact, I shut the store for the long Easter weekend to give my hard-working team some well-deserved rest and we came back in on the Tuesday to online orders for around a thousand bits of clothes and equipment and some 300 cycles, when normally we’d have had about 50!
“I now hear from my industry colleagues that there just aren’t any entry-level hybrid or mountain bikes to be had anywhere in the country and even though we have a booking system for visiting the shop to protect both staff and customers, we still often having people queuing outside the door – two metres apart of course – and it doesn’t show any signs of abating!” he said.
Iain, who is a passionate cyclist himself, adds that although he can’t wait for the shop’s usual Wednesday night social rides to be allowed to start up again, the one thing he isn’t missing is the pre-crisis traffic levels and hopes that that will be one thing that won’t come back when things return to normal.
In the meantime, he’s taking advantage of the quieter roads by enjoying spins out with his wife and four children and is urging everyone with access to handlebars and a helmet to get involved in this year’s Cycle4Cynthia: “Having been at the event for a number of years and knowing what an amazing day it is for everyone, I really hope that lots more people will enter and help support the Hospice, especially as so many of their fundraising activities have had to be cancelled over the last few weeks for obvious reasons” said Iain.
‘Indeed, I’d be riding in it myself but instead I’ll be on standby with the pumps and puncture repair kits in case anyone needs me!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2020, which is again being sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW, will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
Proceeds from the ride will help to fund not only the Hospice’s specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients and vital support for their families, but also its Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the event, by visiting and liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
For further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Meanwhile for more details about Leisure Lakes Bikes, please visit www.leisurelakesbikes.com or to book your store appointment, call 01327 317158.
Every April, the coffers of Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice get a big boost thanks to the launch of its annual charity bike fundraiser, Cycle4Cynthia, at which the impressive total of monies raised at the previous year’s ride are revealed.
This year, while there was inevitably no party, no celebrity guests and no presentation of prizes, the crucial element thankfully still went ahead – a transfer of an impressive £58,074 to the Hospice raised by the hundreds of riders who leapt into their saddles at Holdenby House last September.
The money will be used to fund Cynthia Spencer’s specialist end-of-life palliative care for its patients as well as vital support for their families and, speaking on behalf of Matron at the Inpatient Unit, Sarah Knaggs, and all her hardworking team, the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, offered his profuse thanks to all those who contributed towards the total: “It costs £504 to provide twenty-four hours’ nursing for each individual patients so to all those who leapt into their saddles for us, who marshalled out on the course, who manned refreshment stations and even to those who came to cheer our riders as they crossed the finishing line last year, we really can’t say a big enough thank you for supporting us” explained John.
“The figure you raised means that another 115 days’ care is funded and ensures that our patients and their loved ones receive the best possible support when it’s most needed” added John.
With this year’s ride, again being sponsored by leading commercial law firm EMW and set to take place at Lamport Hall on Sunday 20th September, already open for entries, all those with two wheels are being encouraged to sign up now to offer much needed and timely support at what are proving to be no less challenging times for charities as they are for businesses.
Indeed, with its charity shops shut, many of its fundraising activities halted and its donation tins locked behind closed pub and shop doors, the Hospice’s fundraising team has come up with further creative ways to ensure that the pennies continue to flow in for those who can spare some at this difficult time.
They include ‘Spencer’s Mission Stay Home’, a challenge laid down by the Hospice’s mascot to complete one hour’s exercise each day to help stay fit during the lockdown, donating some of the petrol and diesel costs that may have been saved by not having to drive to work, taking part in online group quizzes and even sponsored haircuts and head shaves, making the best out of the current closure of the salons and barbers!
Meanwhile its ongoing fundraising initiatives remain in place, including its lottery, which offers players the chance of winning one of 176 cash prizes each week, the opportunity to support the cause by choosing Cynthia Spencer as the benefitting charity when spending on a number of online sites – Amazon and the Co-op among them – or your business designating the Hospice as its ‘Charity of the Year’.
Cycle4Cynthia 2020 will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
Proceeds from the ride will also help to fund the Hospice’s Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the event, by visiting and liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
For further information, including details of the various ways in which you can support the Hospice during these challenging times, please call the fundraising team on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
The county’s favourite annual charity bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, has raised almost £600k for Cynthia Spencer Hospice over its sixteen-year history, but that impressive total has not come solely from those on two wheels.
Indeed, a large chunk has been down to the generosity of local businesses, which have given either financially or, just as importantly, in kind, enabling the Hospice to offer its vital specialist care services to its patients and their families.
Among them is leading commercial law firm EMW, which has just announced that it will act as lead sponsor of the ride for the third year running.
Joy Vollans is CEO of the company, which has been providing solutions to meet clients’ needs in the county since 1992, and says they are thrilled to be extending their long-standing support of the event: “We are absolutely delighted to be headline sponsors again and of course, as we have done for several years, we’ll also be leaping into our saddles to take part in the ride itself” explained Joy.
“Whatever the weather, pedalling past the finishing line to the cheers of our colleagues, friends, families and the other riders is a fabulous feeling and knowing we’re raising funds for Cynthia Spencer whilst doing something we enjoy is brilliant, so we hope many more will join us!” she added.
Also pedalling in this year’s C4C, set to take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall, is Holdenby-based creative design agency Triad, which has generously donated thousands of pounds’ worth of its expertise for more than a decade by designing and overseeing this website!
The company, which counts Peugeot, MAHLE Powertrain, RS Components and Northampton Saints among its clients, has a number of passionate pedallers in its team, so its support of the ride is an obvious partnership, as Marketing Director, Chris Timm, explains: “Triad really values the health and wellbeing of its staff and so, given that many of them are out in their lycra at weekends, it’s hardly surprising that Cycle4Cynthia is one of the first dates to get added to the company calendar” revealed Chris.
“Indeed, you don’t have to have direct experience of the Hospice to know what a remarkable place it is, so we consider it an absolute honour to be able to show our appreciation by providing our professional skills and giving it one less cost to have to think about” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia is the biggest fundraiser in the year for the Hospice and, with a day’s specialist palliative care for each individual patient in the inpatient unit costing £504, its fundraising manager, John Helm, says both companies’ generosity – and that of others – is absolutely invaluable: “We are incredibly grateful to EMW and Triad, not to mention those like them for, without their support, we simply wouldn’t be in a position to provide the vital, practical care we do, nor meet the emotional needs of those families touched by our work” said John.
“The Hospice has to find more than a million pounds each year so, whether you’re a business that can support us financially, feel you can donate your services or simply want to take part in our Bike4Bedtime challenge and raise £504 to fund one day of care for one patient, we would love to hear from you” he urged.
Cycle4Cynthia 2020 will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
Proceeds from the ride will also help to fund the Hospice’s Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website.
For further information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, or to enter a Bike4Bedtime team, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the event, by visiting and liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
For more information about EMW, please visit www.emwllp.com while for further details about Triad’s services, which include branding, digital content solutions and bespoke internet services, please visit www.triad.uk.com
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual charity fundraising bike ride is urging cyclists to celebrate the leap year by leaping into their saddles for the 2020 event, with a special ‘early bird’ discount for those signing up between 29th February and 29th March.
Cycle4Cynthia, which has raised almost £600k for Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and which will be held on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall, is, for the first time in its seventeen year history, opening for entries early and, as the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm explains, it’s for the best possible reason: “We had a really great day at last September’s event at Holdenby House, with quite a number of riders asking when they would be able to enter for this year, even as they were crossing the finishing line!” said John.
“I think that just goes to prove how much they’d enjoyed pedaling, while it also shows how highly they regard the invaluable work of the entire team at the Hospice and so, with many further enquiries since the start of the year, we just thought we should, pardon the pun, get ourselves in gear and kick things off a few weeks earlier than usual!
“We’re delighted therefore that online entries will open on 29th February, with entry fees at the discount rate of £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families until 29th March, so I’d really urge anyone with two wheels to sign up and join us for what promises to be another fabulous event” he enthused.
One of those who’ll be logging on to do just that on leap day itself is Phil Rix from Northampton, who took part in the ride for the fourth time last year: “Cycle4Cynthia is always such an amazing day and it’s wonderful to see cyclists of all abilities, young and old alike, turn out in support of this most deserving of causes” explained Phil.
“When the event was last at Lamport back in 2017, I was incredibly proud to ride the 25-mile route with my son, Haydn, which was quite an achievement given that he was only 12 at the time, and last year I rode with a team from work in memory of the sister of one of our colleagues who had passed away at the Hospice.
“I really can’t think of a more enjoyable or more rewarding way to help show our thanks for their incredible care of her and her family, so I’ll be signing up again at the earliest opportunity!” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia is the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which offers specialist palliative care for its patients as well as vital practical and emotional support for their families.
Proceeds from the ride also help to fund the Hospice’s Wellbeing service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to live their life as fully as they can by helping to maintain their physical function and independence for as long as possible.
Cycle4Cynthia 2020 will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
Meanwhile the ride’s ‘Bike4Bedtime’ challenge, which was introduced last year, will again encourage colleagues, friends and families to enter a team of four and raise £504 pounds through their entry fees and sponsorship – the amount needed to provide one day’s specialist care for one patient in the Hospice’s inpatient unit.
To enter online, please visit the ‘register’ page of this website.
For further information, including registering for the ride, details of corporate sponsorship opportunities or to enter a Bike4Bedtime team, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
You can also keep up-to-date with the latest news on the event, by visiting and liking the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
Finally, 2019 riders who have not yet done so are politely encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to Cycle4Cynthia’.
How do you turn thousands of cycle wheel revolutions into hundreds of hours of vital hospice care? Simple! You challenge riders at Northamptonshire’s favourite charity pedal, Cycle4Cynthia, to Bike4Bedtime!
So it was that the biggest fundraiser in the calendar of the county’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice saw hundreds of cyclists take to their saddles for the sixteenth year of this most popular annual event, staged this year at Holdenby House (Sun. 22nd Sept.).
Cycle4Cynthia’s new initiative, Bike4Bedtime, saw teams of cyclists pledge to raise £504, the amount it costs to pay for one day’s expert, specialist care for one patient at the Hospice’s inpatient unit and before firing the starting hooter to send the pedallers on their way, Saints star James Grayson commended those who had turned out to show their support: “I visited the Hospice earlier this year and was absolutely blown away by the staff and volunteers and the amazing work they do to support patients and their families, and your being here today demonstrates that Cynthia Spencer means the same to you” said James.
“Every pound you raise so generously will enable the Hospice to offer even more hours of care for those who need it so, on behalf of the charity, thank you so much for coming and enjoy your ride!” he grinned.
Among those demonstrating their commitment to the cause were Georgina and Derek Smith from Boughton, who, with their sons Brodie, 5, and 4-year-old Indi, were taking part in Cycle4Cynthia for the first time in memory of two family members, as Georgina explained: “My brother-in-law Tony and father-in-law Derek passed away at the Hospice and so we really wanted to be here today and to raise money to show our gratitude to those who looked after them both so brilliantly” said Georgina.
“Not only have we had a fantastic time, coming out together as a family to take part in this amazing event, but also we’re so incredibly proud of the boys because they’ve managed to raise almost £200 in sponsorship already and the money is still coming in!” she added.
Just to prove that CycleCynthia, with its 5, 25 and 50-mile routes across the rolling Northamptonshire countryside, is enjoyed by all ages, septuagenarian friends Keith Chant and Jenny Eales rode the middle distance side by side. Keith, who was on the eve of his 79th birthday, was paying tribute to his late son Paul by wearing his cycling kit and riding his bike, while seventy-one-year old Jenny lost her mother, Iris, at the Hospice twelve years ago. After receiving their medals, the pair congratulated each other on their impressive achievement before pledging to do the 50 mile route in 2020!
With Cycle4Cynthia raising around £70k annually, it’s hoped that a similar figure from this year’s ride will equate to some 140 days’ care – that’s almost five months of support for one patient and their family, and it was with that in mind that the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, offered his gratitude to all those who’d helped make the day as special as ever: “Cycle4Cynthia is our flagship event in the calendar and, yet again, I remain humbled by the kindness and generosity of those who have come out today in force to take part” said John.
“So to our marshals and volunteers, our pitstop teams en route, our generous headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, the team from Chelton Brown who both funded and handed out the medals, our other sponsors and of course to the cyclists themselves, we cannot say thank you enough for your support which will ultimately fund many, many more hours of vital care” he enthused.
It will be some time before it is known exactly how many days’ care the 2019 event will yet fund but, for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money and drop it in at Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s Manfield Campus on Northampton’s Kettering Road or post a cheque made payable to ‘Cycle4Cynthia’ to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Northampton NN3 6RT.
Photos from the event are on the ride’s Facebook page and on the gallery page of this website.
Meanwhile, to pledge your sponsorship or involvement in next year’s ride, please contact the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Having launched the annual campaign for Northamptonshire’s favourite bike ride in aid of the county’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice back in March, nothing was going to stop Saints star Piers Francis from leaping into the saddle at this weekend’s Cycle4Cynthia – apart from a Rugby World Cup call-up that is!
The centre, who played in all of England’s pre-tournament warm-up matches, including their emphatic wins over Ireland and Italy, had pledged to pedal in Sunday’s ride after hearing the emotional accounts of those families who’ve experienced the Hospice’s care, but is currently part of Eddie Jones’ squad as they prepare to take on Tonga in their group opener.
Speaking from their training base in Japan, Piers says that, while he’s thrilled to be pulling on the white jersey for his country again, he’s disappointed not to be joining the hundreds of other cyclists who’ll be turning out in force on Sunday: “I was really moved by the stories that I heard at the launch event in the spring and so of course I said I would take part in the main event and there’s video footage to prove it!” explained Piers.
“But back then I was still recovering from injury and had no idea I would be playing at the top level again, so while I’m excited that Eddie has put his trust in me, I’m sorry not to be on the start line, but I’ll be following the footage on social media and of course I wish everyone a fabulous day!”
“Honestly, nothing else would have stopped me being there and I hope anyone with two wheels will take part and show the Hospice the support it deserves, even if I can’t be there!” he added.
Those are sentiments echoed by Cynthia Spencer’s fundraising manager, John Helm, who is hoping that there’ll be a great turnout: “I want to say a big thank you to all those who have already signed up but it’s not too late to join us, with registration available at the Hospice on Saturday between 10am and 12 noon or riders can simply turn up at Holdenby on Sunday from 8am” explained John.
“With every penny raised in entry fees and sponsorship going towards the incredible work of the Hospice, helping patients and their families when they need it most, we really hope to have a record number of riders, so please come along and be with us at what we know will be a truly inspirational day!” he enthused.
Despite Piers’ absence, the Saints’ longstanding association with Cycle4Cynthia, which has seen former and present club stars including Bruce Reihana, Sam Dickinson, Harry Mallinder and Dylan Hartley all give their time to the cause, thankfully continues in the form of this year’s celebrity starter, fly-half James Grayson, who will be firing the starting hooter at Holdenby House for this, the sixteenth year of the ride.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019, again being generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, is taking place from 9am this Sunday 22nd September at Holdenby House by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer to riders of all ages and abilities.
Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for children or £50 for families.
As professional athletes, rugby players aren’t usually allowed anywhere near alcohol, but Saints star James Grayson has been granted special dispensation in support of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia – the event at which he’ll be firing the starting hooter next month!
With a glass of one of their award-winning tipples in hand, James was raising a toast to the staff at Harrington craft gin distillers, Warner’s, who are entering ‘Bike4Bedtime’, the ride’s new initiative inviting teams of four to raise £444 which, when added to their combined entry fees of £60, totals the £504 needed to pay for one day’s expert, specialist care for a patient at Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s inpatient unit.
James follows in the footsteps of singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, England cricketer Allan Lamb and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley in acting as celebrity starter at the ride, which this year takes place at Holdenby House on Sunday 22nd September, while some of his fellow clubmen, including Bruce Reihana, Sam Dickinson and Harry Mallinder, have also performed the role.
Having spent some time at the Hospice earlier this year, James says he’s very much looking forward to playing his special part in the event: “Back in March I was invited to visit a patient who was a massive Saints fan and it was just such a privilege to witness the amazing care and support that she and her family were receiving, so I feel honoured to have been asked to open Cycle4Cynthia” explained James.
“I’m also delighted to learn that so many people are signing up to the Bike4Bedtime challenge because every day that a team can fund will make a massive difference to the amazing Hospice staff and enable them to not only nurse more patients but also extend the services they offer through their new Wellbeing programme” he added.
So, is James as hot on two wheels as he is on the rugby pitch?
“If I’m honest, my experience of pedalling these days is really only on the static bikes in the training room but I have fond memories of cycling around Scotland on family holidays when I was child and of course Cycle4Cynthia is aimed at riders of all ages and abilities, so you don’t need to be a Geraint Thomas to take part!” revealed James.
“Indeed, I know from Harry’s involvement last year that it’s all about having fun while raising money for a charity that is truly deserving of our support, so I’d encourage anyone with a bicycle to sign up and join us!” he enthused.
Those are sentiments echoed by co-founder of Warner’s, Tom Warner, who, despite seeing very little action in the saddle of late, did not hesitate to get involved: “My mum passed away at the Hospice in 2014 so it’s a charity that’s very dear to our hearts and when we found out about Bike4Bedtime we thought it would be the ideal opportunity to show our support, so we’re delighted to be entering three teams and ultimately contribute over fifteen hundred pounds, and hopefully more, to this fantastic cause” explained Tom.
“Most of the guys are doing the 25 mile route but when my sales director, Jon, said he was doing the 50 miles, I felt I had to join him, but now I’m slightly worried because the last time I had my bike out was to take it for a service last summer!
“But hey, it’s not a race so I reckon I can make it back to Holdenby before it gets dark, even if I do take it gin-gerly!” he giggled.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019, again being generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, is taking place from 9am on Sunday 22nd September at Holdenby House by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children or £35 for families, rising after 2nd September.
For more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities or entering a ‘Bike4Bedtime’ team, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk
You can also complete the online entry form by visiting the ‘register’ page on this website.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, so the saying goes, and that’s exactly what one local design and build specialists has done in support of the county’s newest charity fundraising initiatives.
Goodrich Consulting LLP, the construction consultancy based in Milton Malsor, heard the details of ‘Bike4Bedtime’, which has been introduced for this year’s Cycle4Cynthia, the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice, and immediately decided to get involved.
The scheme invites friends, families and colleagues to enter a team of four, which at £15 per rider is just £60, with each cyclist then simply encouraged to raise sponsorship of £111, thereby raising the exact total it costs to pay for one day’s expert, specialist care for one patient at the Hospice’s inpatient unit - £504.
Paul Riley is a Partner at Goodrich and says that the decision to sign up was an easy one, for three very good reasons: “Firstly, the company has entered a Cycle4Cynthia team made up primarily of staff and friends who are clients for the last three years and it really is a fantastic ride with an amazing atmosphere” explained Paul.
“Secondly, being among hundreds of people, of all ages and abilities, coming together on two wheels to support the hospice, is what really makes it so special because anyone who’s ever had experience of losing a loved one at Cynthia Spencer can’t help but want to ensure that its amazing care can continue for those who might need it in the future, and the ride is a great way to do just that.
“Thirdly, when we learned that one of our clients, Richard Darby of The Darby Group, who has ridden with us before, had gone and entered his own Bike4Bedtime team this year, we knew we didn’t want to be left out of this brilliant new fundraising idea!” he enthused.
‘Bike4Bedtime’ has seen a flurry of teams come forward and pledge to raise the £504 required to provide a day’s vital care for a patient and the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, is hoping many more will follow suit: “We’re thrilled that Goodrich and a number of other teams are getting involved and of course we’d urge others to join them and help contribute to the million pounds and more we need each year to continue to provide our vital services to our patients and their families” revealed John.
“So, with the event now less than two months away, please dig out those bikes and sign up for what promises to be another really memorable day and which we know will enable us to make such a difference to so many people’s lives” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019, again being generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, will take place on Sunday 22nd September at Holdenby House by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
For more information about ‘Bike4Bedtime’ or other opportunities to support Cycle4Cynthia, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
You can also complete the online entry form by visiting the ‘register’ page on this website.
Meanwhile, to keep up-to-date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ both the ride’s and the Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
Did you know that it costs £504 to provide one day’s expert, specialist care for one patient in the inpatient unit at Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice?
Which is why the Hospice team is adding a new cog to the wheel of this year’s Cycle4Cynthia - its biggest fundraiser in the calendar – by urging those with two wheels to ‘Bike4Bedtime’!
With this new initiative the Hospice is inviting friends, families and colleagues to enter a team of four, which at £15 per rider is just £60, and then each find the remaining individual sponsorship of £111, thereby raising a total of £504 and providing another vital day’s care for a patient.
Among the first to sign up to ‘Bike4Bedtime’ is the Darby family who all work together at property development and investment company Darby Group and team captain, Max Darby, believes this new campaign is a great idea: “I’ve taken part in Cycle4Cynthia for the last two years so I already know what an amazing event it is and the opportunity to support this incredible charity in such a tangible way seems an obvious thing to do” said Max.
“My father passed away at the Hospice four years ago and not only was the care he received second to none, but the support that my mother and the whole family experienced was exceptional, so to think that we can help extend that to another family by effectively funding 24 hours’ care for them, simply by having fun on our bikes, is fantastic!” he added.
The Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, is delighted to have the Darby family’s commitment and hopes that more supporters will leap into their saddles to ‘Bike4Bedtime’: “This year we need to raise over a million pounds to continue to provide support and to grow our offer to help more people access our vital services, but I think such large figures can sometimes seem inconceivable” revealed John.
“However this initiative offers a way in which riders can really visualise how their sponsorship money would be spent and so we’d love many more teams to sign up.
“I’d therefore encourage anyone who has a bike to come and join us as not only is the event itself wonderfully inspiring but of course the greatest reward will be the warm glow everyone will get from knowing they are supporting one of the county’s best-loved charities!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019, again being generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, will take place on Sunday 22nd September at Holdenby House by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
For more information about ‘Bike4Bedtime’ or other opportunities to support Cycle4Cynthia, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Saints star Piers Francis has poured praise on those pedallers who ignored the rain and turned out in force last autumn for the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, as he helped launch the event for 2019!
The centre, who is a passionate cyclist himself, was on hand at Franklin’s Gardens (Tuesday 2nd April) to pay tribute to the hundreds of riders who, despite the miserable weather at Althorp last September, took to two wheels and whose remarkable efforts have added a further, impressive £65,000 to the coffers of Northamptonshire’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Among them was Jessica Pilkington, who led a team of 17 cyclists in memory of her son Harry Chadwick, who was just nineteen when he passed away last March. Having been given the opportunity to meet others with cancer as a patient at the day hospice for the year before he died, Harry’s last days were spent at home and it was in enabling that move to familiar surroundings for which Jessica says she couldn’t thank Cynthia Spencer and its Hospice at Home Team enough: “My sister had lived out her final days at the hospice, where we all experienced the wonderful care of the entire staff, but that Harry was able to die at home, surrounded by his family, was an incredible gift” explained Jessica.
“So although last year’s ride was only six months afterwards, we knew we just had to ride as we wanted to show our immense gratitude in the best possible way - by raising money and ensuring that others have access to such amazing support should they sadly ever need it” she added.
Indeed, Team Harry’s generous donation of £2600 – taking the total raised in the fifteen-year history of the event to almost £600k - ultimately saw Piers award Jessica and the team with the Chairman’s Cup, a trophy which is given to someone whose special efforts represent the ‘spirit of the ride’.
Piers also presented the other 2018 trophies, including that for most money raised by an individual, which went to Gary Denton for collecting over £500, to the biggest team, won again by Shirefit East Northants with 52 riders, and for the best fancy dress, which went to friends Lynsey Brecani and Karen Eke, who were again sporting the colourful tutus, socks and outsize sunglasses which had brought grins to their fellow riders’ faces at last year’s ride.
Meanwhile the award for the corporate team raising the most money went for the second year running to Northampton firm Piroto Labelling, whose 40 cyclists raised more than £7,000, taking their two-year total to more than £22k. They were riding in memory of their colleague Laura Silk who passed away at Cynthia Spencer in 2017.
As well as the trophy presentations, guests also watched a video of highlights from last year’s ride and a second demonstrating the impact of the Hospice’s Wellbeing service, which allows patients and their families to achieve the best possible quality of life and live as actively as possible until they die.
The launch also provided an opportunity for the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, to thank the event’s continuing sponsors, including leading commercial law, EMW Law LLP, who are headline sponsors for the second time, as well as timber merchants and countrywear specialists, Linnell Bros Ltd, and lettings and sales agent, Chelton Brown: “The generous support from our sponsors covers much of the ride’s costs which means that the money raised by the riders can go directly towards funding our vital care” explained John.
“Cycle4Cynthia is our biggest fundraiser in the year and £64,807.67 is a fantastic total, especially when you consider how the weather tried to interfere, so we’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support and would encourage anyone with two wheels to take part this September and help make it the best ride yet!” he added.
Indeed those were sentiments echoed by Piers, who concluded the launch by commending all of those who took part in 2018, as well as the sponsors, marshals and volunteers who helped make that fifteenth ride such a success and urged everyone to sign up for this year’s event: “Tonight’s launch has been both emotional and inspirational and I applaud all those who have helped raise such an amazing figure to enable the Hospice to continue its outstanding work” said Piers.
“The only thing that’s going to stop me from riding this September is if we have a fixture that day but, otherwise, I shall be there to show my commitment to this most remarkable of charities and I hope there will be many hundreds more who will sign up and join me!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019 will take place on Sunday 22nd September at Holdenby House by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
For more details of the event, or to learn more about the ride’s sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Injury may have prevented Piers Francis donning his Saints shirt of late, but it was going to take more than a dislocated shoulder to stop the centre showing his support for Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
And the Franklin’s Gardens favourite, who made an impressive return to premiership action last weekend, scoring 10 points in his first game back, says his right shoulder remains fighting fit just in time for April’s launch of the 2019 event – the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice - and more than strong enough to hold the trophies which he’ll be presenting to the prizewinners from last year’s ride.
Piers, who made his debut for the Saints in October 2017 after touring Argentina with England that summer, has been a keen cyclist since he was a child and says he still loves riding his bike: “Some of my earliest and happiest memories are of the long rides I used to do with my Dad and now, when I’m not pushing weights in the gym or running at high speed towards a tackle bag, I find being on two wheels a great way to unwind away from the pressures of the rugby field” explained Piers.
“So I’m absolutely honoured to be launching this year’s ride in aid of such a fantastic charity and really pleased to be continuing the longstanding partnership between the Saints and the hospice” he added.
Indeed, Piers follows in a long line of former clubmen who have previously performed the honours, including Welsh international and British Lion George North, who was joined by his fiancée, double Olympic medal-winning cyclist Becky James, world champion Harry Mallinder and former England Saxon Christian Day, while England and Lions stars Dylan Hartley and Tom Wood have both pedalled in the ride itself.
Among the prizes Piers will be distributing are those for the most money raised by an individual at last year’s event, held at Althorp, and the Chairman’s Award, which is given in recognition of a special contribution to the ride.
In addition, the total amount raised in sponsorship will be revealed - of which every penny will go to support the invaluable work of the Hospice - while the venue for this year’s ride, taking place on Sunday 22nd September, will also be announced.
The Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, says Piers’ support is a real boost: “The club has always been a great supporter of our efforts and indeed many of the players have visited the Hospice over the years to witness its amazing care for patients and their families first hand, so we’re thrilled that Piers has generously agreed to join us” said John.
“We hope that his appearance will not only prompt many of last year’s cyclists to join as we celebrate their efforts at the launch, but also encourage many more to sign up for main event in the autumn in the hope of making it a record-breaking ride!’ he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2019, again being generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP, will be launched in the Heroes Bar at Franklin’s Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 2nd April.
For more details of the event, including to register your attendance or to learn more about the ride’s sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
It was always going to take a lot more than persistent rain to dampen the spirits of the those turning out in force to support Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
So it was that, despite the dreary, autumnal conditions which greeted those arriving for the annual event held in aid of Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice at Althorp on Sunday (23rd September), hundreds of cyclists braved the dismal weather to take to two wheels, demonstrating that it’s worth getting a bit wet for such a worthy cause!
Indeed Saints and England rugby player Harry Mallinder, who fired the starting hooter to send the pedallers on their way, first thanked those who’d ignored the downpours to be part of this remarkable show of defiance: “I visited the Hospice last week and after meeting the staff and volunteers, was really humbled by the care and compassion they show to patients and their families, and seeing all of you here today just goes to show what Cynthia Spencer clearly means to you too!” explained Harry.
“On behalf of all those at the charity for whom your support means their vital work can continue, thank you so much for coming, especially as staying at home in the warm and dry might have seemed the sensible option!” he grinned.
One of those who might have been tempted by the latter was Maggie Woodhouse from Flore who is, by day, a skiver – a shoe skiver at Church’s factory that is! But having raised £160 in sponsorship from her friends and colleagues, nothing was going to prevent her jumping into the saddle and she completed the 5 mile route – twice!
Also demonstrating their commitment to the cause were friends Lynsey Brecani and Karen Eke who donned a colourful combination of ponchos and sunglasses to show they weren’t going to be beaten by the wet stuff: “We’ve both lost friends and family at Cynthia Spencer and can’t speak highly enough for their incredible end of life care, so a little bit of rain was never going to stop us being here today!” explained Lynsey.
“We’re just so thrilled that hundreds of others obviously felt the same way and have shown the kind of spirit that this event brings out in people!” added Karen
In fact, the sunglasses proved to be rather prophetic for it wasn’t too long before the clouds parted and the sun shone on those returning from the 25 and 50 mile routes, among them the family and friends of nineteen year old Harry Chadwick, who passed away earlier this year after battling cancer.
Having collected her finisher’s medal, Harry’s Mum, Jessica, revealed why they had ignored the grey skies and dug out their bikes, sporting t-shirts which bore her son’s photo: “Our beautiful Harry lived and loved life and it was thanks to the support of the Hospice at Home team that he was able to stay at home, surrounded by those who loved him” explained Jessica.
“Today has been incredibly emotional but I’m so very proud of the entire team and of the fact that we’ve raised over two thousand pounds for the charity which means that those who need the care and love that we received get it when they most need it” she added.
Speaking at the end of the ride, the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm offered his appreciation to all those who’d been involved: “We came very close to cancelling the event because of the winds that were threatened but someone must have been smiling on us to enable it to go ahead and, despite inevitably losing a few riders, it’s been fantastic to witness the kindness and generosity of all of those who’ve turned out in support of the charity” said John.
“So yet again, to the marshals and volunteers, to our pitstop teams en route, our sponsors - including our generous headline sponsor EMW Law LLP and the team from Chelton Brown who both funded and handed out the medals - and of course to the cyclists themselves, we owe a massive debt of gratitude and let’s hope that, rather than the rain, their abiding memory of the day will be the smiles and warmth of spirit that make Cycle4Cynthia the glorious day it always is!” he enthused.
Photos from the event are on the ride’s Facebook page and on the gallery page of this website.
It will be some time before it is known if the 2017 total of £76,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as drop it in at Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s Manfield Campus on Northampton’s Kettering Road or post a cheque made payable to ‘Cycle4Cynthia’ to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Northampton NN3 6RT.
Meanwhile, to pledge your sponsorship or involvement in next year’s ride, please contact the Hospice on 01604 210941.
Enrique was hot on the heels of his father Julio when he picked up a microphone, Michael famously joined his dad Kirk in the movies and course it wasn’t long after George Snr vacated the White House that George W moved in!
Well now Saints, England and world champion rugby player Harry Mallinder will follow a similarly laid parental path, emulating the role that his old man Jim performed back in 2015, when he opens Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month.
The event, which this year celebrates its fifteenth birthday, is the biggest fundraiser in the year for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Harry, who captained the England side to the World Under-20 Championship title in 2016, is looking forward to playing his further part in swelling the charity’s coffers; “I helped launch the ride earlier this year and was amazed to learn that Cycle4Cynthia has raised more than half a million pounds over the last fourteen years, which is a fantastic achievement as there’s really a no more deserving cause” explained Harry.
“I actually rode in the event back in 2012 with Dad so I know what a great day it is and I am thrilled to have been asked to top and tail this fundraising year by offering a few inspirational words to the hundreds of riders before firing the starting hooter.
“Having said that, Dad has pledged to pedal again this year so I guess I’d better keep it short and sweet as I don’t want to give him too much of a head start!” grinned Harry.
The fullback is the latest in a long line of Saintsmen to have supported the ride over the years, with former All Black, Bruce Reihana, Sam Dickinson and current England captain Dylan Hartley all performing the honours, while flanker and former England captain Tom Wood has also leapt into the saddle.
The Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, believes the Franklin’s Gardens favourite’s commitment to the charity is invaluable; “We are thrilled that, having launched the ride back in February, Harry is actively showing his admiration of the first-class end of life care that we provide to our patients in this way, as well of course the invaluable support we also offer to their friends and family” said John.
“We’re all the more pleased that Jim will be cycling too as the themes for this, the fifteenth year of ride, are fun, fitness and family, so we hope they’ll inspire lots of dads and sons, mums and daughter, aunts, uncles and grandparents to dig out their two wheels and join us!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd September at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, offering 5, 25 and 50 mile routes across the glorious Northamptonshire countryside.
It is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities and while it is not a race, there are prizes for the largest team, the biggest fundraiser and best fancy dress, while the Chairman’s Award is presented to the person or group who best represents the spirit of the ride.
For more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk or to register online, please visit the ‘Register’ page of this website.
Meanwhile to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s pages on Facebook.
The Cobblers call on Clarence, the Saints boast Bernie and the Steelbacks swear bv Steeler to summon their fans’ support but they’re not the only sporting teams in the county with mighty mascots!
You see Colin the Cockerel is the emblem of cycling club Brixworth Velo and while his fellow cheer-raisers might perform a vital task for their respective professional sides, the plastic bird has a rather more light hearted role to play among Velo’s lycra-clad pedallers, as club co-founder, the rather aptly-named Simon Fowler, reveals: “Colin is very much loved by our members but as he’s presented to the cyclist who’s been guilty of a ‘cock-up’ on our weekly ride, who then has to take him to work with them as a sign of shame, no one really wants the accolade!” explained Simon.
“Nominations for the riders to make the most foolish errors are voted for on social media and the culprit then has not only to hang Colin from their handlebars, but also take him everywhere with them that week, snapping as many fun photos as possible” he added.
“He’s been awarded for such cycling no-nos as struggling to fit a tyre after bragging how easy it is and wearing left and right socks on the wrong feet, while not returning Colin the following week also means a £5 fine which goes to charity!
“When I won him for wearing so much hi-vis that they said I looked like a lollipop man, it was a bit embarrassing explaining to my colleagues why I had a toy cockerel perched on my desk but it’s a great talking point and hopefully goes to show that the club, while made up of very keen and competent riders, can still have some fun!” Simon enthused.
Which isn’t to say that they don’t take the sport seriously; last month they raised more than four thousand pounds for Meningitis Now by cycling 200 miles in two days in memory of Jonty, son of Velo member Paul Jarvis, who died of the disease back in 2005 aged just six.
Next month, they’ll be back in their saddles for Cycle4Cynthia, the fundraiser for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and having taken part in the ride for the first time last year, having formed the club only six months earlier, it’s something they’re really looking forward to: “This is the fifteenth year of this annual ride and its themes of fun, fitness and family are really what our club is all about” said Simon.
“Plus there’s barely a member who hasn’t been touched by the amazing work of the hospice in one way or another so doing what we love best - and hopefully pedalling off with the trophy for the biggest team – seems an obvious thing to do!
“Now that would be something to crow about!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2018, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd September at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, offering 5, 25 and 50 mile routes.
For more information please call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk or to register online, please visit the ‘Register’ page on this website.
You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Meanwhile for more details on joining Brixworth Velo, including the opportunity to learn more about their monthly rides for those wanting to build their confidence on two wheels, please call Simon on 07980 601861 or find the club on Facebook.
She’s been rather busy lately, preparing for her wedding and packing up her Northamptonshire home to head back to her native Wales, but former world champion and double Olympic medal-winning cyclist Becky James still made time to bid a fond farewell to her favourite county charity, Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Becky, who’s returning to Cardiff with her fiancé, former Saints and Welsh winger George North, dropped in to the Hospice’s day centre to join staff, patients and their families as they celebrated the fifteenth birthday of its biggest annual fundraiser, Cycle4Cynthia, the ride which she opened last year.
While she’s looking forward to being back in the land of her fathers, firing the starter hooter in front of 1100 pedallers at the 2017 event remains one of the highlights of her time in the county: “I’d visited the Hospice last summer and had seen first-hand the amazing work of the team there so being asked to start the ride was a real privilege” explained Becky, who’s now retired from professional sport to start up her own cake-making business, Baked By Becks.
“My cycling career saw me compete against serious and dedicated cyclists who were desperate to take titles and break records, but to watch more than a thousand riders of all ages and abilities at last year’s event and to know what a difference their efforts were making to Hospice was really moving and it’s a day I will never forget” she added.
After chatting with patients and staff, Becky then cut the cake both to mark the ride’s fifteen birthday and to celebrate the incredible total of more than half a million pounds which has been raised by thousands of cyclists in Cycle4Cynthia’s fourteen-year history.
The money has helped to fund first-class end of life care for hundreds of patients at the Northampton Hospice and throughout the county as well as invaluable emotional support to their friends and family, so it was appropriate that fundraising manager, John Helm, should pay tribute to the afternoon’s special guest: “Having such a fabulous sportswoman as Becky with us last year really helped to raise the profile of the ride and I’m sure attracted even more people to leap into their saddles for us” said John.
“So we’re really delighted that she could be with us today to celebrate that amazing achievement and all the more pleased that she had chance to say goodbye to us and enjoy a slice of cake that she hadn’t had to make herself!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2018, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd September at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, offering 5, 25 and 50 mile routes.
For more information, please call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk or to register online, please visit the ‘Register’ page on this website.
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Think of a French bike race and I’m quite sure the gruelling Tour de France is the first that springs to mind!
But did you know that it was 35 years before that race was even a twinkle in its Gallic founder’s eye that, on 31st May 1868, the first competitive cycle ride is said to have taken place - a 1200m sprint round the Parc de Saint-Cloud in Paris which was won by expat Englishman James Moore riding a wooden bicycle with iron wheels!
Exactly 150 years to the day later, and with such technological developments as pneumatic tyres, carbon fibre frames and padded saddles, cycling is thankfully a rather more enjoyable pastime than it was in the days of the aptly-named ‘Boneshaker’!
So, with National Bike Week pedalling into view (9th – 17th June), here are ten facts* to inspire you to dig out your two-wheeler and join Northamptonshire’s favourite annual cycle ride, Cycle4Cynthia, as it marks its 15th birthday:
The fastest speed recorded on a bicycle was 268 km per hour, achieved by Dutch rider Fred Rompelberg in 1995 (albeit drafting behind a dragster!)
The Damian Hurst-designed Trek Butterfly which Lance Armstrong rode in the 2009 Tour de France, sold at a charity auction for $500,000, making it the world’s most expensive bike!
One parking space can hold up to 20 parked bikes
There are over 1 billion bicycles currently being used around the world
Seven out of eight people in the Netherlands aged over 15 has a bicycle
At his peak Sir Chris Hoy’s thighs had a circumference of 27 inches – that’s four more inches than Victoria Beckham’s waist!
Before her big break on Friends, actress Jennifer Aniston delivered letters and small parcels as a New York bike messenger
Other celebrity pedallers include actors Matt Damon, George Clooney and Hugh Jackman
And talking Ozzies, Australian Andrew Hellinga set a world record in 2013 when he cycled almost 210 miles – backwards!
In the last fourteen years, Cycle4Cynthia has helped to fund first-class end of life care for hundreds of patients at Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and throughout the county as well as invaluable emotional support to their friends and family.
Cycle4Cynthia 2018, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd September at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, offering 5, 25 and 50 mile routes to riders of all ages and abilities.
For more information, please call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk or to register online, please visit the ‘Register’ page on this website.
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, or to tag photos from the March launch, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
14 years, thousands of pedallers and tens of thousands of miles later, Northamptonshire’s favourite sponsored cycle ride has reached a remarkable fundraising milestone, topping the £500,000 mark!
The amazing total was revealed at the launch of the fifteenth year of Cycle4Cynthia at Franklin’s Gardens and comes thanks to the £76k which was raised by the 1100 riders who took part in the ride last September in aid of Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
The launch also saw the presentation of the 2017 trophies, including that for the biggest team, won by Shirefit East Northants with 50 riders, and to the best fancy dress, which went to the team from Nationwide who ‘stole’ back their title after donning cops and robbers costumes!
A new award, given to the team which raised the most money, went to Northampton firm Piroto Labelling whose 36 cyclists raised more than £15k in memory of their colleague Laura Silk who passed away at Cynthia Spencer last year. The trophy was collected by Laura’s daughters Angela and Daniella.
Meanwhile the Chairman’s Cup, awarded in recognition of a special effort representing the ‘spirit of the ride’, went to Gary Wilkins, a lorry driver from Boothville who had used his training for last year’s ride to help him lose 25kg.
Speaking to the audience, Gary explained why he’d taken part: “I lost all my grandparents to cancer and my best friend’s mum passed away at the hospice so I just couldn’t imagine a better way to show my support to the care team there for the incredible work that they do.
“The day itself was amazing and I couldn’t wait to ring my Dad in Cyprus to tell him how I’d got on, so as soon as I’d collected my medal, I was on the ‘phone, telling him what a great time I’d had!” he enthused.
The trophies were presented by England Under 20s rugby world champion and Saints favourite Harry Mallinder and the Deputy Mayor of Northampton, Tony Ansell and his Deputy Mayoress, Jayne Crofts.
Inspired by the Chairman’s Cup winner, the fifteenth year of the ride will celebrate the three themes of fun, fitness and family and is now encouraging riders of all ages and abilities to jump into their saddles.
Cycle4Cynthia 2018, which is generously supported by headline sponsor EMW Law LLP among other businesses, will take place on Sunday 23rd at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, call the Hospice on 01604 973340 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, or to tag photos from the launch, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
World champion saddles up to launch cycling fundraiser!
Saints, England and world champion rugby player Harry Mallinder will be switching the funny-shaped ball for a bike in support of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising ride when he launches Cycle4Cynthia 2018 next week!
The Franklin’s Gardens favourite will follow in the footsteps of his father, former club coach Jim Mallinder, in presenting the trophies at the event which marks the start of the fifteenth year of the cycling spectacular.
Among the prizes he’ll be handing out are those for the most money raised by an individual at last year’s event at Lamport Hall and the Chairman’s Award, which is given in recognition of a special contribution to the ride.
In addition, the total amount raised in sponsorship will be revealed - of which every penny will go to support the invaluable work of Cynthia Spencer Hospice - while the details of this year’s ride will also be announced.
Harry, who captained the England side to the World Under-20 Championship title in 2016, is no stranger to the charity, having ridden, then aged sixteen, in Cycle4Cynthia alongside his Dad when it was held at Althorp back in 2012.
He follows in a long line of those from the Saints to have pledged their commitment to the event, including Welsh international George North, who performed the same honours with his double Olympic medal-winning cyclist partner, now fiancée, Becky James last year, while former All Black, Bruce Reihana and England captain Dylan Hartley have also fired the starting gun at the autumn ride.
The Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, says he’s thrilled that the Saintsman is involved again in this way; “We’re really proud of the link we have with the club and so it’s another massive boost to have Harry with us at the launch” explained John.
“It also seems very appropriate as one of the themes for this, our fifteenth year, is family, so we’re hoping that the Mallinders’ support of recent years will prompt lots of fathers and sons, mums and daughters and sisters and brothers to leap into their saddles and help us raise yet more funds for such a deserving cause!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2018 is being launched in the Heroes Bar at Franklin’s Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 27th March.
For more details of the event, or to learn more about the ride’s sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Cycle4Cynthia has been given a massive boost with the news that leading commercial law firm EMW Law LLP is leaping into the saddle as headline sponsor!
The firm, which has been providing solutions to meet clients’ needs in the county since 1992, is joining Northamptonshire’s biggest annual charity bike, which is now the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
EMW’s CEO, Joy Vollans, says the team is thrilled to be extending its long-standing support of this wonderful event by becoming its lead sponsor: “As a team, we have taken part in Cycle4Cynthia for several years so when the opportunity to be more involved came up, we jumped at the chance” explained Joy.
“To be able to help Cynthia Spencer raise funds for all the wonderful work the hospice does, whilst doing something we enjoy, is brilliant and so we would encourage everyone to dust off their cycles and join us!” she enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, which each year attracts over a thousand pedallers of all ages, including leisure rider, business teams and more serious cyclists, has raised more than half a million pounds in its fourteen year history and according to the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, this partnership could not have come at a better time: “We’re launching the 2018 ride next month and we really want our fifteenth year to be the biggest and best yet” explained John.
“Having EMW as headline sponsor, the first time the ride has enjoyed this kind of financial bonus, is the best news we could have hoped for as it means we can direct monies raised in entry fees and sponsorship towards the amazing specialist palliative care which we offer to our patients and the all-important support for their loved ones.
“On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to thank EMW for their generosity, not only in pedalling but also now in much-needed pounds!” he added.
EMW’s sponsorship will be formally announced at the launch of Cycle4Cynthia 2018 which is taking place at Franklin’s Gardens on Tuesday 27th March.
For more details of the event, or to learn more about the ride’s other sponsorship opportunities available, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
When you run a company, £100 doesn’t get you much these days does it? A few reams of copier paper perhaps. Maybe a new set of ink cartridges if you’re lucky.
But what it can buy you is the warmest feeling you’ll ever get from knowing you’ve supported one of Northamptonshire’s most deserving causes, not to mention some great publicity!
Ahead of March’s launch of its much-loved annual bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice is calling upon the help of the county’s business community to ensure that this, the 15th year of the biggest fundraiser in its calendar, is the best yet!
And for just £100, sponsoring one of the event’s pit stops is not only the ideal way to contribute towards the vital work of the charity but also help raise your profile.
John Helm is the hospice’s fundraising manager and says he’s hoping that local firms will come up trumps again this year: “Pulling together such a fantastic event as Cycle4Cynthia inevitably involves some costs so we’re really keen to hear from anyone who wants to help us in whatever way they can” explained John.
“Whether that’s a few pounds to ensure our riders are well fed and watered en route to one of the larger sponsorship options, it means that the money that comes in from entry fees and rider sponsorship goes directly towards providing specialist palliative care for our patients and the all-important support for their loved ones” he added.
Among those companies to pledge their continuing commitment to the cause is lettings and sales agent Chelton Brown, which will be sponsoring the riders’ medals for the third year running, though as managing director Sali Brown explains, the partnership goes back even further: “We first got involved with the ride in 2012 and each year it’s been an absolute honour to support this amazing charity” explained Sali.
“Not only is the day itself a really heart-warming experience, but also the hospice is such a wonderful place, doing immeasurable work within the community, so I’d encourage others to do their bit and be part of this fabulous fundraiser!” she enthused.
To pledge your support as a pit stop sponsor or for more information on the other sponsorship opportunities available, please call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk.
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Further details for Cycle4Cynthia 2018 will be revealed at the launch event at Franklin’s Gardens on Tuesday 27th March.
The evening will also see the presentation of the prizes from last year’s ride, including those for best fancy dress and largest team to take part, as well as the all-important figure of total monies raised by the 1115 cyclists who generously leapt into their saddles at Lamport Hall last September.
Riders are therefore kindly encouraged to collect any outstanding sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice Fundraising, Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6RT, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle4Cynthia’.
She may have retired from an impressive sporting career last month but double world champion cyclist Becky James has just added arguably the most important medal to her collection – the one hung around her neck for completing Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
After setting off an incredible 1115 riders taking part in the event held at Lamport Hall on Sunday (24th September) in aid of Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice, the Welsh wonder, who also picked up two silvers at the Rio Olympics, then pedalled the five mile route to show her support for the cause.
And the former track cyclist, who now lives in the county with her partner, Saints winger George North, was thrilled to share the joy of the event with George’s sister, Hayley Cushing, who joined her on a tandem generously loaned by Leisure Lakes Bikes in Daventry.
Speaking after collecting her finishers’ medal, presented to everyone completing the 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, Becky revealed her long-standing interest in the event: “I heard about Cycle4Cynthia some years ago but of course my professional commitments meant I was never able to take part, so I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to do so this year and finally get to experience the fun of this amazing day” explained Becky.
“I visited the hospice earlier this year and seeing the incredible care they offer to their patients and families was just so inspirational, so to be here today and join all these other riders in supporting the charity has been fabulous!” she enthused.
Little could Becky have known that, among those taking part was a rider who, twenty years earlier, might have given her a run for her money! Maxine Johnson, 56, was National Road Race champion and Commonwealth bronze medallist in the Team Time Trial back in 1994 and was one of those pedalling in the colours of the county’s newest cycling clubs, Brixworth Velo.
Also leaping into their saddle was 83-year-old Peter Smith from Northampton who, having completed the 50 mile route for the previous ten years, had decided that the middle distance was more than enough this time: “My wife Ann passed away at the hospice in 2010, having previously worked in its café as a volunteer, so I will always do what I can to help and will hopefully be completing the twenty-five miles for many years to come” pledged Peter.
Meanwhile for one quartet, Mel, Doug, his son Bret and future daughter-in-law Emma, memories of the Hospice’s amazing care were all the more recent, as Mel explained; “Our very dear friend Martin Perry passed away there in April this year after a battle with kidney cancer and so we wanted to be here today to ride in his memory.
“It’s obviously been an emotional day, especially as I’ve done the ride on Martin’s bike, but it’s also been a happy one, remembering the good times we shared and having chance to give a little something back to the place that gave him such amazing care in his final days” Mel added.
Speaking at the end of the ride, which was blessed with glorious weather, the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm offered his appreciation to all those who’d been involved: “The sun shines on the righteous they say and that can’t be more appropriate than today, given the kindness and generosity of all of those who’ve turned out in support of the charity” said John.
“So I want to say a massive thank you to everyone, including our team of marshals and volunteers, those who cheered out in the villages and of course to the cyclists themselves who, alongside Becky, have made this another Cycle4Cynthia to remember!” he added.
It will be some time before it is known if the 2016 total of £76,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle4Cynthia’.
Double Olympic medal-winning cyclist Becky James will show her continuing support for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice by setting off the riders at the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month!
The former Welsh international, who announced her retirement from the sport last week after picking up two silvers on the track in Rio last year, now lives in the county with her partner, British Lion, Wales and Saints winger George North, and says she’s thrilled to be firing the starting hooter, thereby following in the footsteps of those celebrities who have previously generously performed the honour, including singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, former Generation Game hostess Isla St Clair, and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley!
“George and I went to the launch of the ride back in April and it was amazing to hear not only what a great event it is from former participants, many of whom have ridden in it for years, but also what it means to those patients and families who are supported by the incredible team at the hospice” explained Becky.
“Cycling has been such a big part of my life and it’s a great thing to do, whether you’re a regular rider or just fancy the occasional pedal on a sunny Sunday, so I really hope that lots of cyclists will join us and make this the biggest and best year yet!” she added.
Last September more than 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities jumped into their saddles, raising £76k for the Hospice and this year, its fundraising manager, John Helm, hopes that Becky’s involvement will help to better both of those figures: “Cycle4Cynthia is the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for us so we would urge anyone with two wheels to come out and support us and meet this true sporting hero!
“Of course there are no prizes for crossing the line first, as Becky’s used to, but we do give everyone who takes part a commemorative medal, and there are also trophies for the largest team, the most sponsorship raised and the best fancy dress so if you’re feeling competitive, you can always give one of those a go!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2017 is taking place from 9am on Sunday 24th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising after 1st September).
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information call the Hospice on 01604 678082 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk
You can also purchase the limited edition C4C 2017 cycling jersey, priced at £25, from the Hospice’s ebay site at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/232432899749
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Wimbledon had flying ants and the Tour de France had flying parasols, but thankfully the only thing that might fly past you at the county’s favourite bike ride are cyclists dressed as a superhero, a bunch of daffodils or even a slice of pizza!
Those are just some of the fancy dress outfits worn in the last thirteen years by those taking part in Cycle4Cynthia, the vital fundraiser which raises tens of thousands of pounds annually for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
And with this year’s ride taking place on Sunday 24th September at Lamport Hall, the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, reckons there’s plenty of time for those who might want to enter a team to come up with some inventive creations: “Most riders don their usual lycra or shorts and t-shirts, and of course we’re pleased to see everyone, whatever they’re wearing, but it really does put a smile on everybody’s faces when a bevvy of cats turn up or you see Harry Potter and Hagrid on a tandem, which we had last year!” explained John.
“So while the day has its serious side in supporting the Hospice and the amazing care it offers to its patients and their families, dressing up is a great way to have some fun and create the kind of team spirit that epitomises the day” he added.
As an added incentive, the team with the best fancy dress is awarded a trophy for their efforts, while there are also prizes for the biggest team, the most money raised by an individual and the Chairman’s Cup which goes to a rider, or group of riders, going one step further to support the event.
However, if dressing up is not your thing, the 2017 Cycle4Cynthia jersey is now on sale priced at £25, with proceeds going to the Hospice.
Cycle4Cynthia, which last year saw more than 1100 riders take part and bring in £76,000 in entry fees and sponsorship, has raised almost half a million pounds since its inception. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising after 1st September) and again offers the choice of 5, 25 and 50 mile routes.
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information, including to order your C4C jersey, or call the Hospice on 01604 210941 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk.
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
It is more used to providing expert advice on everything from electricity bills to smart meters, but Northampton-based energy consultancy Untied Utilities has just had its own brilliant light bulb moment – becoming the lead supporter of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
The firm, which specialises in offering needs-led energy solutions in the care sector, is generously sponsoring not only the event’s first aid and safety strategy, but is also making a major contribution to the ride’s bespoke jersey, which will see its logo emblazoned across the reverse of the shirt.
Cycle4Cynthia, which each year attracts well over a thousand pedallers of all ages, including leisure riders, business teams and more serious cyclists, is the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Untied Utilities’ operations manager, Jess Massey, says the firm is delighted to be playing its part in this way: “Untied Utilities feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to sponsor and support such a brilliant local charity that plays such a vital part in the community with all its incredible work” explained Jess.
“We are dedicated to working with and providing support to the healthcare sector via Energy Management, so the work that Cynthia Spencer carries out every year resonates deeply with us as a business and we are looking forward to being a part of such a memorable fundraising event and hopefully to continuing this relationship with the Hospice for many years to come” she added.
The company joins a number of other local businesses, including lettings and sales agent Chelton Brown, creative design agency Blue Step Solutions, palletised freight delivery company UPN and fencing and timber suppliers Linnell Brothers Ltd, in stepping up to the plate to ensure that every penny raised from the ride goes to the Hospice, as fundraising manager John Helm explains: “Pulling together such a fantastic event as Cycle4Cynthia inevitably involves some costs to cover so we’re thrilled that Untied Utilities and those other generous firms are endorsing our efforts in this way.
“It means that the money that comes in from entry fees and rider sponsorship can go directly towards our amazing work in providing specialist palliative care to our patients and the all-important support for their loved ones” added John.
“So if there are any other firms which feel that they might be able to contribute, we’d be delighted to hear from them!” he enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia, which last year saw more than 1100 riders take part in the 5, 25 and 50 miles routes and raise over £76,000, will take place on Sunday 24th September at Lamport Hall.
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk.
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Want to live longer? Reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease? Then cycle to work, say scientists!
The results of a recent study, which delved into the transport habits of more than a quarter of a million UK commuters, have come as music to the ears of the team at Cynthia Spencer Hospice who are hoping that the chance of prolonging life, alongside the passion for two wheels prompted by the return of the Women’s Tour to the county next month, will see more people to leap into their saddles in aid of its biggest annual fundraiser, Cycle4Cynthia.
“The team of scientists found that regular cycling can almost halve the risk of heart disease and cancer, so it’s a proven way to stay healthy” explained the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm.
“With that as the best possible incentive to get pedalling, and the fact that Cycle4Cynthia is a really fun way to show your support for the amazing work we do for our patients and their families at Cynthia Spencer, I’d urge everyone to dig out their bikes and register for the ride!” he added.
Among those to know the benefits of using two wheels rather than four is Paul Maylunn from Northamptonshire Trading Standards who, come rain or shine, dons his bicycle clips and helmet for his daily commute: “I’ve been pedalling to work for about two years now and I’m definitely fitter and healthier than I’ve ever been before” explained Paul.
“Not only do I arrive at work feeling invigorated, having pushed up my heart rate a little, but I also quietly delight in the joy of overtaking tired looking drivers as they battle the queues of the rush hour.
“There’s really no better way to commute, so why not start pedalling to work - and show your support for this amazing cause by signing up for Cycle4Cynthia too!” enthused Paul.
Cycle4Cynthia, which last year saw more than 1100 riders take part in the 5, 25 and 50 miles routes and raise over £76,000, will take place on Sunday 24th September at Lamport Hall.
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
Northamptonshire’s favourite sponsored cycle ride has done it again – raising a remarkable record-breaking total of more than £76,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice!
The amazing sum, contributed by the 1100 riders who took part in Cycle4Cynthia last September, was revealed at the launch of the 2017 ride at Franklin’s Gardens last night (4th April) while it was also announced that this year’s event would take place at Lamport Hall on Sunday 24th September.
In addition, the launch saw the presentation of the 2016 trophies, including for most money raised by an individual, which went to Rob Howard for collecting over £1600, to the biggest team, won for the second year by the Melbourne Arms in Duston, and to the best fancy dress, which, following a vote on Facebook, saw Darcey Collett and Verity Linnell pick up the trophy after pedalling on a tandem dressed as daffodils!
Meanwhile the Chairman’s Cup, awarded in recognition of a special effort representing the ‘spirit of the ride’, went to Paul Lambert, Jack Fleckney and Ed Robinson from Crossfit East Northants who not only cycled the 50 miles on their mini BMXs but also performed ‘burpees’ at the end of every mile!
The trophies were presented by Saints coach Jim Mallinder and player Christian Day while they were joined by George North and his partner, double Olympic silver-medal cyclist Becky James, the Mayor of Northampton, Christopher Malpas, and the Hospice’s mascot, Spencer, for the celebratory photos!
Among those at the event was David Solomon from Northampton who is receiving treatment for Motor Neurone Disease at the Hospice. Speaking to the audience on his behalf, his wife Paula talked of the amazing support that they and the family are given and urged everyone to sign up for this year’s ride: “The whole team at Cynthia Spencer are just incredible and I don’t know where we would be without them” explained Paula.
“We only have to ask for something, perhaps for a new piece of equipment to help David maintain his independence, and it gets sorted straightaway.
“The ride itself is such a great day and you get to meet some wonderful people, as well as knowing that you’re supporting such a great cause, so I’d encourage everyone to dig out their bikes and join the fun!” she enthused.
Cycle4Cynthia 2017 will take place on Sunday 24th September at Lamport Hall with 5, 25 and 50 mile routes on offer.
You can register for the ride on the ‘Register’ page of this website or for more information, including details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, or to tag photos from last night’s event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
They’re a golden couple who are more used to fighting their respective sporting battles on the rugby field and in the velodrome!
But tomorrow evening, Saints and Wales star George North and his partner, cyclist and double Olympic silver medallist Becky James will be working in tandem in support of the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, which raises tens of thousands of pounds each year for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
The talented welsh duo will be joining George’s fellow Saintsmen, coach Jim Mallinder, Christian Day and a number of other players, to launch the fourteenth year of the ride, which will include the presentation of the 2016 trophies, among them the most money raised by an individual at last year’s event and the Chairman’s Award, which is given in recognition of a special contribution to the event.
In addition, the total amount raised in sponsorship will be revealed, of which every penny will go to supporting the invaluable work of the Hospice, while the details of this year’s ride will also be announced.
George follows a long-line of those from the club to have pledged their commitment to the charity – previous players who have fired the starting gun at the autumn ride include former All Black, Bruce Reihana, and current forward, Sam Dickinson, but to have both his and Becky’s support is something of which the Hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, says he could only have dreamed: “We’re absolutely thrilled that not only has George kindly agreed to be at the launch, but also that, despite her hectic training schedule, Becky is so generously giving up her time to be with us” explained John.
“Of course Cycle4Cynthia is not a race, but we’re hoping that the sporting prowess shown by this amazing couple will help inspire lots of people to join the ride and enjoy not only great day in the saddle but the pleasure of knowing they’re helping to raise much-needed funds for such a deserving cause” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia 2017 is being launched in the Heroes Bar at Franklins Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, at 6.30pm tomorrow – Tuesday, 4th April.
For more information, including registering your place or for details of corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082 or email info@cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please visit and ‘like’ the ride’s and Hospice’s page on Facebook.
With husbands and wives, mums and daughters, fathers and sons and even three generations pedalling together, it was certainly a family affair at Northamptonshire’s thirteenth favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
The event, which was held at Holdenby House on Sunday (25th September) by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther, saw an incredible 1154 riders leap into their saddles to pedal almost 50,000 miles in total around the local countryside in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Among them was the Guest family from Ravensthorpe,that of Anna and Bryan, their seven-year-old son Charles and daughter Cecelia aged 5. Bryan was the first of the 50-milers home yet unbeknown to him had earlier in the day been beaten to the finishing tape when Charles left his Mum and sister out on the 5-mile course to sprint home! “Not that he’s competitive at all!” explained Anna when they all met up to celebrate after collecting their special designed C4C medal marking the Hospice’s 40th year, which had been generously sponsored by Northampton-based lettings and sales agents, Chelton Brown.
For husband and wife team Grahame and Liz Mutch from Moulton it was rather more the case of ‘those that ride together, stay together’ after successfully negotiating the 25-mile route on a tandem which they had bought as a silver wedding anniversary gift for each other - some fifteen years earlier!
Meanwhile for Jessica Pilkington from Spratton, the ride was a particularly poignant affair as she, her 14 year old daughter Polly and Mum Patsy, aged 67, were cycling in memory of Jessica’s sister Jasmine, who passed away at the Hospice some three years ago aged just 39; “Jasmine was so lovingly cared for by all the team at Cynthia Spencer that Polly wanted to do something in memory of her aunt and, despite having pedalled no more that a few miles, decided it would be this ride” explained a very proud Jessica.
“So joining her as three generations seemed a fitting tribute to Jasmine and we’re delighted to have raised £1000 already with money still coming in.
“Yet even that couldn’t really show our gratitude to those who not only looked after us as a family but also allowed Jasmine to smile in her final days and ultimately give us such lasting, precious memories to treasure” she added.
Keeping up a longstanding partnership with Northampton Saints, the event was launched by prop and England captain Dylan Hartley before he himself, in keeping with the family theme of the event, pedalled off with partner Jo alongside, while she had their one year old daughter Thea in a basket on the back! Having just become a father, Dylan missed the 2015 ride but held true to his word to be back and sent the riders on their way with just a helpful word of warning – to avoid the puddles!
Indeed speaking at the end of the ride, which mercifully enjoyed dry weather after the overnight downpours, the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm offered his appreciation to all those who’d turned out; “I cannot say a big enough thank you to all those who gave up their warm, cosy beds to come out and make it such another special year” said John.
“From our team of marshals and volunteers, to Dylan and to Holdenby, to those cheering out in the villages and of course to the cyclists themselves, each with their own story as to why they were riding, who could have thought that it could be better than ever, yet it truly was!” he enthused.
It will be some time before it is known if the 2015 total of £76,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
Photos from the event will shortly be on the website - and on the Facebook page. Meanwhile to pledge your sponsorship or support for next year’s ride, please call the hospice on 01604 678082.
Smashing a mirror, spilling salt and putting shoes on the table are considered by some to bring bad luck, yet one Northampton MP is urging pedallers to ignore superstition and join the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, in its thirteenth year!
Michael Ellis, whose constituency is home to the event’s beneficiary, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, is calling for riders to set aside their triskaidekaphobia – the fear of the number 13 – and help achieve a record fundraising total for this most vital of charities at the event at Holdenby House on Sunday 25th September in just thirteen days’ time!
And the MP has every reason to believe that the number has no link to misfortune, as he explained on a recent visit to the Hospice to mark its 40th anniversary; “I was born on Friday 13th so I’ve always considered it to be a rather lucky number and indeed I’ve never worried about walking under ladders or spotting black cats!
“I would encourage cyclists to instead concentrate on the massive difference that their support could make to the amazing care offered by the team at the Hospice” he added.
And it turns out he’s not alone! Ian James, who will lead the British Pepper & Spice team for the eighth year, celebrated his 13th birthday on Friday 13th back in the 70s and he too is urging others to leap into the saddle: “The company has been proud to support the event for almost a decade now and it’s always been great to see so many firms pull together to help create a really fun and memorable ride” explained Ian.
“You just never know when you or your family might need the support of Cynthia Spencer so with thirteen days to go, get a gang of colleagues and friends together and join us for what promises to be another cracking day on two wheels!” he enthused.
Last year more than 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities donned their lycra to raise a record £76k for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, and with more than £400,000 raised over the last twelve years, it’s hoped that entry fees, sponsorship and sales of the special C4C cycling jersey might take the event’s total fundraising beyond the half a million pound mark.
More information, including details of the 5, 25 and 50 mile routes, entry and sponsorship forms, and the option to register online, is available on this website, meanwhile to purchase a C4C jersey, priced at £25, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082.
Riders can also register in person at Cynthia Spencer’s Day Hospice on Kettering Road, Northampton between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 24th September, or turn up on the day from 8am.
Cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride’s page on Facebook.
How you can help us to raise an EXTRA £2.50 for the Hospice for very little effort??
SIMPLE!
Althorp Food Festival is not only very kindly offering FREE entry to the festival on the day of the ride for every cyclist sporting their 2016 C4C medal but also donating £2.50 to the Hospice for each of those riders.
So please, if you can, make a small detour to the Food Festival after the ride and help us to raise even more money for our cause - and don't forget to take a few pennies with you to buy some tasty treats and help replace all the calories you will have just burned off by pedalling!
England’s grand slam-winning rugby captain and Saints star Dylan Hartley will be swapping his hooker’s cap for a helmet in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice as he sets off the riders at Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month!
The front-rower, whose impressive sporting year continued when he led his country to a series whitewash over the Australians downunder this summer, will be firing the starting hooter at the cycling spectacular at Holdenby House on Sunday 25th September before himself leaping into the saddle to show his continuing support for the event.
As Dylan explained, he’s looking forward to adding another Cycle4Cynthia rider’s medal to his collection: “Three years ago my bike was stolen just before the event but that wasn’t going to stop me taking part so I borrowed a pink-saddled, fixed-gear bike and still managed to do 25 miles!
“In 2014 I couldn’t ride because the date clashed with a Saints game and last year, having just become a new dad, I watched from the sidelines, so I’m really excited to be back pedalling in this incredible event and hopefully encouraging others to do the same for what is such an amazing cause” he added.
Over 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities donned their lycra to take part in the 2015 ride last autumn, raising a record £76k for Cynthia Spencer Hospice. And with more than £400,000 raised over the last twelve years, it’s hoped that entry fees, sponsorship and sales of the special C4C cycling jersey might take the event’s total fundraising beyond the half a million pound mark in this, the Hospice’s 40th year.
Meanwhile riders are also reminded that, while there are no prizes for finishing first (for it’s not a race!), there are three trophies on offer; those for the largest corporate team to take part, most money raised by an individual and best fancy dress!
Cycle4Cynthia is taking place on Sunday 25th September at the new venue of Holdenby House, by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising after 2nd September).
More information, including details of the 5, 25 and 50 mile routes, entry and sponsorship forms, is available at this website or by calling the Hospice on 01604 678082. Cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride’s page on Facebook.
Cycling sisters Hannah and Alice Barnes, who grew up in Towcester, have set aside sibling rivalry to show their support for Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia!
23-year-old Hannah and 20-year-old Alice were reunited in Northampton on Sunday for Stage 5 of the Aviva Women’s Tour and despite competing against each other in their respective Canyon//Sram and Drops cycling teams, generously took time out of their final race preparations to demonstrate their commitment to the September ride staged in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
“Hannah and I are really pleased to be back in the county and on roads that are so familiar to us from our childhood” explained Alice.
“I know that Cycle4Cynthia riders will be following some of our route and so we both really encourage everyone to take part as it’s always a wonderful event and raises money for such a great cause” she enthused.
But as Hannah revealed, the pre-event amnesty wasn’t going to last: “Of course today is all about being competitive and wanting to do the very best I can, even if that means beating my sister” said Hannah “but I know Alice will be thinking the same!” she added.
Before returning to their respective camps and joining their teammates at the start line, the sisters generously signed the special Cycle4Cynthia jerseys they had sported and those will be raffled to raise more money for the Hospice.
Cycle4Cynthia is taking place on Sunday 25th September at the new venue of Holdenby House, by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther.
More information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms and hot to support the event are available on this website. Meanwhile, to purchase a C4C jersey priced at £25, please call the Hospice on 01604 678082.
Cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride’s page on Facebook.
Forget Olympic gold! The medal that Northamptonshire’s cyclists will be bidding for later this year is the one that’s hung round their necks at the end of the county’s favourite fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, staged annually in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
And this year’s decoration will be extra special to mark the Hospice’s 40th birthday, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Northampton-based lettings and sales agent Chelton Brown.
Unlike those who will be picking up the sporting gongs in Rio this summer, every pedaller who completes either the 5, 25 or 50 mile routes will be rewarded with one of the anniversary medals!
Recipients of previous years’ end-of-ride neckwear include Saints player and Six Nations grand slam-winning England captain Dylan Hartley and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley, both of whom have leapt into their saddles to help raise funds for this most deserving of causes.
For Chelton Brown’s managing director, Sali Brown, the partnership was an obvious tie-up; “The Hospice is such a wonderful charity, doing vital and valuable work within the community so, having been a supporter of the event for a number of years, we’re thrilled to be able to play our part again in this memorable way” explained Sali.
“And by wonderful coincidence, we marked our own four decades in business last year so this gives us a perfect excuse to continue our celebrations for a little bit longer and I’d urge everyone to join us for the party, which is what the ride is every year!” she enthused.
For John Helm, the Hospice’s fundraising manager, the event simply wouldn’t be the annual success it is without so many of the county’s businesses stepping forward: “Cycle4Cynthia is lucky to have had Chelton Brown’s support for the last three years but it is wonderful news that they have decided to sponsor the commemorative medal to help celebrate such a fantastic achievement as our 40th birthday” said John.
“It is only through the amazing backing of local companies, like Chelton Brown, that Cycle4Cynthia has become the most successful event in the Hospice calendar so our thanks go out to Sali and all her team for their continuing efforts. There are many ways businesses can get involved in supporting the event so we look forward to hearing from other firms who might also want to help us!” he added.
Cycle4Cynthia is taking place on Sunday 25th September at the new venue of Holdenby House, by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther.
More information, including details of the new routes and entry and sponsorship forms, or how to support the event are available on this website or by calling the Hospice on 01604 678088. Cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride’s page on Facebook.
Meanwhile anyone who would like to sign up in person for the ride is also invited to visit Weston Favell Centre in Northampton on Saturday 25th June where a team of Centre staff will be in training for their participation in this year’s event by powering a smoothie-maker with pedal power, having chosen the Hospice as its ‘Charity of the Year’.
She’s been the crucial cog in a wheel that’s helped to bring in hundreds of thousands of pounds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, but after two decades of co-ordinating sponsored walks, cake sales, talent shows, concerts and of course Cycle 4 Cynthia, Community Fundraiser Sue Bownass has finally retired!
And last month her massive contribution was honoured as colleagues, friends, volunteers and patients and their families gathered to bid her the fondest of farewells and pay their own tribute to a woman whose passionate work for the hospice has touched the lives of so many local people.
Leading the plaudits was Cynthia Spencer’s Chair of Trustees, Pam Nock, who spoke not only of Sue’s amazing achievements but also the manner in which she always approached her role; “The one thing that stands out about Sue is that she truly put the ‘fun’ into fundraising with her joyous and fantastic spirit.
“The hospice prides itself on its five-star offering to patients and their families and that’s only been possible thanks to Sue’s incredible efforts. She will be sorely missed!” she added.
Also at the send-off was former Chronicle and Echo sports editor, Mark Beesley, whose wife Caroline passed away at the hospice in November 2013; “I first met Sue through my involvement with the Dalepak horse racing naps table and its regular fundraising for the hospice and over the years she has shone like a beacon at the forefront of a great crusade” explained Mark.
“Her passion and energy for the cause has been totally uplifting and it’s not surprising so many willing volunteers have been inspired by her” he enthused.
And even though making the return to the hospice for the party might have been difficult, Mark was keen to attend; “Coming back to Cynthia Spencer always triggers memories of Caroline but, because of people such as Sue, those thoughts become a positive force and so I wanted to be here to say my own thank you and to wish her many, many happy years of retirement ahead!” he added.
Sue’s link to the hospice was forged twenty years ago after her mum received its care at the end of her life, while her brother, David, also spent his final days there. From volunteering in the early days, Sue took on a number of roles over the years before finally becoming Community Fundraiser, looking after such incredible fundraising activity as the Harley Davidson runs, Tree of Love services and Cycle 4 Cynthia.
Speaking at the party, an emotional Sue paid her own tribute to those with whom she’d worked over the past two decades; “I have truly enjoyed the best of times at the hospice and feel that I’m a better person because of those people I’ve met here who have enriched my life!” she revealed.
“In particular I will never forget the incredible team of volunteers who’ve given so much to make this the special place that it is and, believe you and me, I’ll still be doing my bit to support it.
“In fact, after years of helping to organize it, I’ve already signed up to actually ride in this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia, so they don’t get rid of me that easily” she giggled, while wiping away a tear or two.
To show your support for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, either by becoming a sponsor, making a donation or staging a fundraising event of your own, please visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk or call the fundraising team on 01604 678088.
Meanwhile to join Sue at this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia, which takes place on Sunday 25th September and which offers routes of 5, 25 and 50 miles, please download the relevant entry form from this website and ‘like’ the ride on Facebook.
Organisers of the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride have honoured the Northampton businessman who founded the event, helping to raise more than £400k for local good causes.
The seeds for Cycle 4 Cynthia were sown in 2003 when property developer and keen cyclist John Pinkham, who had ridden in fundraising events in Mexico, Cuba and Jordan, encouraged a small group of friends to join him on a pedal around the county in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
A year later, when the Hospice launched a £1.5m appeal, John decided to extend the invitation to families, businesses and cycling enthusiasts, with the result that more than 450 riders took part and raised an incredible £35k.
12 years on, thousands of riders have leapt into their saddles, raising money not only for the Hospice but also for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Northampton-based children’s charity Kidsaid.
John has now stepped down as Chairman of the ride and in recognition of his achievements was praised in a surprise commendation at the launch of Cycle 4 Cynthia 2016 at Franklin’s Gardens (Wednesday 10th Feb).
After announcing that last year’s ride had raised a record-breaking total of nearly £74k for the Hospice, its Fundraising Manager John Helm thanked his namesake for the contribution he has made to the lives of hundreds of local people; “The invaluable care which the hospice provides for its patients and their families is only possible thanks to the kind of support we receive from such events, so for conceiving the ride, which has prompted the raising of such an incredible sum of money, we are eternally grateful.”
An emotional John Pinkham then returned the compliment by paying tribute to the many thousands of cyclists, marshals, volunteers and businesses who have helped to establish Cycle 4 Cynthia’s place in the county’s fundraising calendar; “I’m very proud to have instigated the event but even more thrilled that so many people have been moved to join us over the years and show their wonderful support.
“Long may it continue!” he added, before pledging to ride the 50 mile route this year!
The event also saw the presentation of a number of trophies to those who rode in 2015; the Melbourne Arms in Duston took the biggest team title with 41 riders, 79-year-old Alan Sturgess from Finedon was honoured for raising the most sponsorship of almost £1100, the team from Nationwide retained the fancy dress prize for cycling in food costumes, while the Chairman’s Awards went to 13-year-old Matthew Collinson from Brackley in recognition of the spirit he showed after coming off his bike just a mile from the finish.
Matthew, who was 12 at the time, was cycling the 25-mile route and sustained road rash and a dislocated toe in the tumble before being taken to hospital. Despite his injuries, his major concern was that he had not completed the ride and would not receive his medal. The Hospice of course ensured that he did!
The presentations were made by Saints coach and regular C4C rider Jim Mallinder, along with players Tom Wood, Ethan Waller, Sam Dickinson and team manager Paul Shields.
They were joined by John Pinkham’s TV-presenter daughter Natalie and some of the event sponsors, without whom the ride would not be the success it is, including Triad, Towergate Insurance Brokers, Blue Step Solutions and Chelton Brown.
The launch concluded with the exciting news that this year’s ride, which will again offer routes of 5, 25 and 50 miles, will take place on Sunday 25th September at the new venue of Holdenby House, by kind permission of James and Karen Lowther.
More information, including details of the new routes and entry and sponsorship forms, will be available shortly at www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or by calling Sue at the hospice on 01604 678088. Meanwhile cyclists are also encouraged to keep up to date with the latest news by ‘liking’ the ride on Facebook.
Organisers of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride are confident that the county’s two-wheelers will ignore superstition and sign up in their droves to take part in this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia, despite it being its thirteenth anniversary!
The event, which has raised more than a third of a million pounds over the last twelve years, is being launched at the home of Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, at 6.30pm on Wednesday 10th February.
The launch will celebrate the achievements of the 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities who donned their lycra to take part in the 2015 ride at Althorp last autumn, including revealing the total amount they raised in sponsorship, of which every penny will go to support the invaluable work of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
It will also see the presentation of trophies for the largest corporate team to take part, most money raised by an individual and best fancy dress being made by Saints coach Jim Mallinder and TV presenter and recent ‘Hello’ magazine cover girl Natalie Pinkham, whose father John founded the ride.
Among those already pledging to be involved is Jay Roan from Northampton design agency Studio One and he is encouraging both serious riders and those who pedal for pleasure to leap into their saddles; “Coincidentally we had thirteen riders take part in our team last year and that was our fifth year running so it’s now something of a permanent fixture in our calendar” explained Jay.
“It’s such a great day to be part of because not only is cycling so enjoyable and involves our riding around some wonderful countryside, but also it’s great knowing we’re helping such a deserving cause, so I’d urge everyone to show their support by taking part and experience that buzz” he added.
Details of this year’s ride will be announced at the launch and thereafter will be on this website – www.cycle4cynthia.com - and on our Facebook page.
Anyone wishing to take part in the ride, including individuals, families or teams from businesses or organisations, is cordially invited to attend the launch at Franklin’s Gardens at 6.30pm on Wednesday 10th February.
To find out more details, to book your place or to pledge your support for the ride, please contact Sue Bownass at the Hospice on 01604 678088.
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has done it again – bringing together budding Boardmans and sociable cyclists in a triumphant day of two-wheeling!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which returned to Althorp on Sunday (13th September) by kind permission of The Earl Spencer, saw an amazing 1132 riders leap into their saddles and pedal more than 45,000 miles around the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside – all in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Among the cycling clubs, teams of work colleagues and families to ride the 5, 25 and 50 mile routes were John Judge from Northampton and his four year old son Harrison who were taking part for the first time. As John explained, it’s a cause dear to their hearts; “My Grandad was cared for in the last days of his life by the hospice and I can’t think of a better charity to support and to say thank you in this wonderful way” he explained.
“Harrison loved it so much that as soon as he’d finished the five mile route we had to go back out and do it again and he reckons he wants to do the 25 mile route next year! He’s so little he doesn’t really understand distances yet!” he added.
Meanwhile another family had reason to celebrate with 22 year old Giorgio Ferraro from Harlestone coming in first on the 25-mile route, in a time more than a minute faster than his last Cycle 4 Cynthia; “It’s not a race of course but as any keen cyclist will tell you, it’s always great to know that you’ve gone quicker personally!” explained Giorgio after collecting his rider’s medal.
“I just have to wait now for Mum and Dad to get back in but that’s fine because it’s just fantastic to be a part of this brilliant atmosphere and to know that it’s all in aid of such a great cause!’ he enthused.
The staggered 50 mile and 25 mile routes starts were launched by Saints coach Jim Mallinder, who kindly leapt to the aid of one rider who was having gear trouble by giving him a push up the hill!
Meanwhile fellow Saintsmen, Academy coach Mark Hopley, back row Sam Dickinson and kit man Kevin Buckley, were cheered on from the side lines by Dylan Hartley who wasn’t riding on account of the fact that he was on ‘fatherhood’ duty to his month-old daughter, but who kindly set off the five-milers.
Speaking at the end of the ride, which had been mercifully blessed with warm, dry weather despite the forecast, the Hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm offered his appreciation to all those who’d turned out; “We’ve already had some really heart warming comments on our facebook page and emails to say what a super day it was.
“So we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved, including Althorp for hosting us, our teams of marshals and volunteers, the Saints guys and especially to all the riders themselves who have helped to create another truly wonderful day” said John.
It will be some time before it is known if the 2014 total of almost £64,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
Photos from the event will shortly be on the website - www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk and on the facebook page. Meanwhile to pledge your sponsorship or support for next year’s ride, please call the hospice on 01604 678088.
Northampton Saints stars have yet again shown their support for the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride by helping in the search to select the design of the event’s new bespoke cycle shirt!
Jim Mallinder, Dylan Hartley and Sam Dickinson, who have all taken part in Cycle 4 Cynthia – which this year hopes to raise more than £60,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice – modelled the three designs and visitors to the Hospice’s social media sites were then asked to vote for their favourite!
The chosen design, a blue shirt sported in the picture by Jim (centre), is now available to purchase for just £25 and thanks to the generous sponsorship of Blue Step Solutions, Triad and Towergate Insurance Brokers, every penny will go the Hospice.
John Helm, the Hospice’s Fundraising Manager, is now encouraging riders from the event’s eleven year history and those taking part this September at Althorp to get their hands on a shirt – and quickly! “We’re incredibly grateful to our three sponsors and of course the rugby boys for helping us launch this new shirt because every one sold will enable us to continue our vital work in caring for our patients and their families,” explained John.
“I can’t think of a better way to show your support for the hospice and of course have a great memento from such a wonderful ride which you can keep wearing for years to come, but I’d urge cyclists to get in touch sooner rather than later as we’re expecting them to be very popular!” he added.
To see the shirt in its full colour glory, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk and to buy a jersey, please call Jayne at the Hospice on 01604 678082.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, offering riders of all ages and abilities routes of 5, 25 and 50 miles, returns to its former home of Althorp on Sunday 13th September, starting from 9am. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (with the fee rising after 28th August).
More details, including downloadable entry and sponsorship forms and online registration, are now available at www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk while you can also follow the latest news on the ride on Facebook.
Meanwhile, with prizes offered for the best fancy dress and the largest corporate team to take part, any businesses wishing to enter or sponsor the event are invited to call Sue Bownass at the Hospice on 01604 678088.
As the passion for pedalling hits fever pitch this month with the return to the county of the highly successful Women’s Tour, one lady rider is delighted to be back in the saddle thanks to support of a local bike shop!
65 year old Pat Wilkinson from Nether Heyford split her helmet after tumbling off her bike while taking part in last September’s Cycle 4 Cynthia, but after hearing her plight, Leisure Lakes Bikes in Daventry has stepped forward to replace it.
Pat, who clipped the kerb and damaged her ribs in the fall, says the helmet almost certainly protected her skull from serious injury and is thrilled to be pedalling again after taking a break from riding to recuperate. “My husband John and I have always enjoyed cycling and I found it a great way to distract me when I was trying to give up a 50 year smoking habit last summer and keep the weight off!” explained Pat.
“I was thoroughly enjoying being among the 1300 riders who made Cycle 4 Cynthia such a wonderful event and of course my fall was just an unfortunate accident, but it goes to show that it can happen to anyone and I’m just so glad that I was wearing a helmet as it could have been a lot worse!” she added.
‘Safety first’ is certainly the abiding principle of Leisure Lakes Bikes which has been riding the crest of the wave of the recent cycling craze and Director Iain Noy says he’s reassured that more and more riders are investing in the appropriate equipment; “We’ve seen sales of bikes increase over the last few years as people have been inspired by our successful Olympians, Paralympians and the likes of Bradley Wiggins.” revealed Iain.
“And where once we might have had to politely encourage customers to buy a helmet as well, these days riders thankfully recognise it is as vital a part of their purchase as the two wheels themselves!” he added.
Having made a full recovery, and proudly sporting her new protective headgear, Pat is now clocking up the miles around the county but sadly won’t be at this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia – albeit for the best of reasons! “John and I have booked a cycling holiday in Europe and are really sorry that it clashes with this year’s event but it’s such a super day that I’d urge everyone to sign up and take part – wearing a helmet of course!” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, returns to its former home of Althorp on Sunday 13th September and will again be raising much-needed funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice. More details, including downloadable entry and sponsorship forms, are now available at www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk while you can also follow the latest news on the ride on Facebook.
Meanwhile, with prizes offered for the best fancy dress and the largest corporate team to take part, any businesses wishing to enter or sponsor the event are invited to call Sue Bownass at the Hospice on 01604 678088.
From cake-making to cycling, swimming to parachute jumping, staff and patients at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton have left no fundraising stone unturned in their incredible efforts to support their 2014 Charity of the Year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice!
And thanks to their 12 months of pedalling and pantos, splashing and singing, the Hospice has just received a cheque for £25,000 which will be used to fund its vital work in providing skilled and compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illness and their families.
Among those to contribute to the amazing total was St Andrew's staff member Patty Hill who raised £300 by swimming eight miles in memory of her father Stan Thornton. Stan passed away at the Hospice 13 years ago after receiving two weeks of what Patty could only describe as "amazing care".
Meanwhile Dr. Louise Brink added £1700 as one of a team of 15 to take a tandem parachute jump, while Sarah Goode's £550 contribution to the pot came as a result of completing the 25-mile route of Cycle 4 Cynthia, the hospice's annual bike ride.
With others organising such events as 'It's a Knockout' to a talent show, no-one is more proud of the firm's fundraising achievements than St Andrews' Chief Operating Officer, Warren Irving, who himself raised £1800 thanks to a rather painful solo effort; "I decided to do a lone canal walk and ended up completing 101km in 24 hours alongside the Grand Union" explained Warren.
"Doing it on my own was quite a challenge but it certainly concentrated my mind on the Hospice and what a truly deserving charity it is. It just about made losing a few toenails in the process worthwhile!" he grinned.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Cynthia Spencer, Community Fundraiser Sue Bownass thanked the whole team for their efforts; "I know that hundreds of patients and staff have worked really hard in raising this fabulous figure and hopefully had a lot of fun along the way!" enthused Sue.
"This money will help us to make such a difference, not only in caring for those nearing the end of their lives but also in supporting their loved ones and for that, we are so very grateful" she added.
Although St Andrew's Healthcare has now begun its fundraising efforts for its 2015 beneficiary, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, it will still be showing its continuing support for the Hospice by entering a team into this year's Cycle 4 Cynthia, taking place on Sunday 13th September at Althorp.
As one patient commented, they’re looking forward to being back in the saddle; “I had a great time taking part in Cycle for Cynthia. It felt good to be a part of the event and to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. I can’t wait to do it all again this year.”
More information about the ride can be found at www.cycle4cynthia.com or on its new Facebook page. Meanwhile, if you would like to support the Hospice, please contact Sue in the fundraising office on 01604 678088.
Northamptonshire’s pedallers have done it again, setting another record fundraising total after taking part in the county’s favourite annual charity bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia!
Just over thirteen hundred riders leapt into their saddles in the event staged at Lamport Hall last September, raising an incredible total in entry fees and sponsorship of almost £64,000 - some £12,000 more than last year.
Ninety per cent of the money will go to Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the remainder to Kidsaid, the Northampton-based charity which provides support for children and young people who have suffered abuse, bereavement, bullying and family problems.
The details were revealed at the launch event for the 2015 ride staged at Franklin’s Gardens (Weds 11th Feb) where Saints coach Jim Mallinder, player Christian Day and fellow forward Sam Dickinson, who opened last year’s ride, were on hand to present the trophies to the prize winners.
Having ridden in the event the previous two years, Jim was unable to take part in 2014 owing to his side’s fixture at Newcastle but, subject to the playing calendar, has already pledged that he will cycle this year - and will bring some of his Saintsmen!
Launch host Sue Bownass from the Hospice thanked all those who’d helped to make its eleventh anniversary such a success and spoke particularly of the ‘spirit of the ride’; “In eleven years, Cycle 4 Cynthia has grown from being just a few people pedalling to well over a thousand last year and yet the same sentiments of passion, commitment, courage and a desire to make a difference to other people’s lives are always there” explained Sue.
“So on behalf of both charities I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved, from the marshals and volunteers who hand out medals, to the folks who man the pit stops and of course to the cyclists themselves for showing such wonderful spirit – and here’s hoping that our twelfth ride will be just as amazing, if not better!” she enthused.
It was that spirit, demonstrated in one new partnership, which led to John Walters from Rushden being presented with the Chairman’s Prize; John crossed the finishing line with a Russian rider named Alex, the two of them having forged a friendship en route after encouraging and helping each other for their final few miles.
Meanwhile Mandy Dawson from Stowe School, whose husband Mike passed away at the Hospice last October after being diagnosed with cancer just weeks earlier, received the trophy for the largest sum raised by an individual – an incredible £6165.
The trophy for the largest team went to St Andrew’s, who fielded an impressive 34 pedallers while for the fifth year in a row, Steven Sanders picked up the prize for best fancy dress, leading his team of ‘minions’ from Nationwide after being inspired by the hit animation film of 2010, ‘Despicable Me’.
The final announcement of the night was the exciting news that Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, again offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, is returning to Althorp, (its home from 2011-13), by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer and will take place on Sunday 13th September.
Cyclists from across Northamptonshire and beyond are once again being encouraged to leap into the saddle to show their support for the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, on its twelfth anniversary!
The event, which has raised almost a third of a million pounds over the last eleven years, is being launched at the home of Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens at 6pm on Wednesday 11th February.
A record 1300 riders created a leg-spinning spectacle at Lamport Hall near Kettering last autumn when the event was opened by one of the club’s double champion players, second row Sam Dickinson, and while the final figure is not being revealed until the launch itself, they are expected to have raised tens of thousands of pounds for last year’s two benefitting charities, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Kidsaid, the Northampton charity which supports youngsters who have suffered bereavement, bullying, abuse or family issues.
Among those who’ll be out in force for this year’s ride is Neil Harpham who, having ridden as part of a team from solicitors Hewitsons LLP, says he’s looking forward to donning his lycra for the fourth time; “We had about a dozen of us ride last year, all of different ages and abilities, and that’s part of the joy of the event” explained Neil.
“It doesn’t matter whether you pedal for pleasure or take cycling more seriously, it’s simply a wonderful day to be involved in, knowing you’re helping others while enjoying a beautiful ride, and I’d really encourage everyone to show their support by taking part and experience that amazing atmosphere” he added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, is taking place on Sunday 13th September, with further details to be announced at the launch.
Meanwhile the launch will also see the trophies for the largest corporate team, most money raised by an individual and best fancy dress at last year’s event being presented by Sam Dickinson, fellow Saintsman Christian Day and coach Jim Mallinder who is hoping, subject to the autumn fixture list, to be riding for the third time this year.
Any businesses wishing to take part are cordially invited to attend the event at Franklin’s Gardens at 6pm on Wednesday 11th February. To find out more details, to book your place or to pledge your involvement in the ride, please contact Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has ridden the crest of the cycling wave by setting another new record for those leaping into their saddles!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which raises money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton charity Kidsaid, supporting youngsters who have suffered bereavement, bullying, abuse or family issues, saw over 1300 riders gather at Lamport Hall on Sunday (21st September) - a twenty per cent increase on the record set last year.
Among those new to both the event and the sport was the ride’s celebrity starter, Northampton Saints’ back row forward Sam Dickinson. Sadly unable to play rugby at the moment owing to a neck injury, Sam has found cycling a great way to keep up his fitness and before firing the starting hooter, told riders that he was looking forward to putting his new bike through its paces; “I feel privileged to be here to represent the Saints today and to keep up a longstanding tradition between the club and this amazing event,” Sam explained to the lycra-clad throng as they saddled up to take on the 5, 25 and 50 mile routes.
“I’m just so impressed to see so many of you of all ages turn out in support of these two wonderful causes and, even though I’ve only been cycling for a few months, I can’t wait to get out onto the course and hopefully catch some of you up!” he said.
Also cycling C4C for the first time was John Walters from Rushden who quickly found a new friend en route “I had no expectations coming into the event but I thought it was absolutely fantastic!” said John.
“Part way in, I met up with a Russian guy called Alex and because we were a similar pace, we took it in turns to take the wind and crossed the line together. It felt like it was my own Tour de France!” he grinned.
Others taking part were three generations of the Lewis family from Yelvertoft, including 69-year-old grandfather Terry, who was riding his ninth C4C, his son Martin and grandson Harry, aged 13, both riding for the third time, and their new recruit, Harry’s brother George, aged 11; “Yet again we’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and knowing that we’re supporting such good causes is an added bonus” explained Terry. “My grandsons have already pledged to bring some friends along to ride next year!”
Meanwhile, also keeping it a family affair were Liz Bates from Northampton, her daughter Jen and ten-year-old granddaughter Blake who regularly ride together at the weekends; “We did the five mile route - three times!” revealed Liz after the trio crossed under the finishing arch “Blake has raised an incredible £280 and she says if she practises enough, she may even do the 25-mile route next year. I’m so proud of her!” added Liz.
Speaking on behalf of both charities, the hospice’s fundraising manager John Helm offered his appreciation to all those who’d turned out; “The feedback we’ve had from the cyclists has been fabulous and in such glorious sunshine it seems that people have really enjoyed the new setting and the amazing views across this part of the county.
“So we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved, including Lamport Hall for hosting us, our teams of marshals and volunteers, and especially to all 1309 riders themselves who have helped to create another memorable day” said John.
It will be some time before it is known if the 2013 total of £52,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
Photos from the event will be on the website shortly – www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk Meanwhile to pledge your sponsorship or support for next year’s ride, please call the hospice on 01604 678088.
Last season he helped the Saints to double cup glory from the back row of the scrum but this Sunday, Sam Dickinson will be leading from the front as he gets the riders underway at this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia!
You see the Franklin’s Gardens hero is currently out through a neck injury and won’t be travelling to Newcastle with the side as it continues its defence of the premiership title, but instead will be turning to his new found passion for two wheels to support what has become Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity Kidsaid, is hoping to attract more than 1200 cyclists to its new venue of Lamport Hall and Sam says that, while he’ll miss the trip up north, he’s delighted to be playing his part back home; “I was at the launch of the event at Franklin’s Gardens back in February and was really impressed by the passion and enthusiasm that seems to be behind this ride” he explained.
“So while I’m of course sorry not to be playing rugby with the other boys, I’m absolutely thrilled to keep up the club’s longstanding association with Cycle 4 Cynthia and hoping that, as well as firing the starting gun, I might even leap into the saddle of my new bike and join the other riders!” he added.
As celebrity starter for the ride, Sam is following in the footsteps of the likes of former Saints captain Pat Lam, singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers , Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley and former England cricketer Allan Lamb, who will himself be back at Lamport on Sunday .
For Sue Bownass from the hospice, news of the two sporting stars’ appearance is a real boost to the big day; “We’re on target for our biggest ride yet and we’re hoping that Sam and Allan’s involvement will encourage even more to turn out and join us for what promises to be another super day!” said Sue.
“And don’t worry if you think it’s too late – it’s not! With distances to suit all ages and abilities and a real family atmosphere, all you need is a bike, a helmet and a desire to show your support for our two great charities, so please come along!” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is taking place from 9am this Sunday, starting and finishing at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for children and £50 for families. For more information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088. Alternatively, cyclists can turn up on the day from 8am to register and ride!
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual charity bike ride will be without one of its most famous cyclists this year as Saints coach Jim Mallinder switches his lycra and pedals for line-outs and penalties!
You see the Franklin’s Gardens hero, who led his team to double success in the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup last season, will be in Newcastle on Sunday 21st September for his side’s latest league fixture which means he’ll miss Cycle 4 Cynthia for the first time in three years.
The ride, which is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity Kidsaid, is hoping to attract more than 1200 cyclists to its new venue of Lamport Hall and Jim says he’s gutted not to be taking part; “The only thing that was going to prevent my getting on my bike again this year was a match,” revealed Jim, who previously participated in the public leg of the Tour de France, “so you can imagine how disappointed I was when I looked at the fixture list and spotted the clash!
“I’ve loved taking part in the ride the last two years because not only is it a fantastic fundraiser for the charities but it also has a wonderful atmosphere, with serious riders and leisurely pedalers all coming together to show their support, and I’m going to really miss that!” he added.
And Jim’s sentiment is not all just words! Despite being unable to ride on the day itself, he has demonstrated his continuing commitment to the cause by cycling the event’s 25 mile route with three of his Saints colleagues earlier this month - and is now urging others to get on their bikes; “I wasn’t surprised to hear recently how cycling is more popular than ever and so I hope this event captures that enthusiasm and that a record number turn out to join the fun” said Jim.
“Even Saints fans have no excuse because the ride starts at 9 o’clock so that gives plenty of time to still get home to follow the match and hopefully watch us stuff the Falcons!” he enthused!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for children and £50 for families. For more information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
They may be considered a horticultural horror by many gardeners, and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but gnomes are likely to be out in force at Lamport Hall next month for this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia!
You see, as featured in the Bank Holiday edition of BBCs Countryfile, the impressive stately home near Kettering is home to the world’s oldest gnome which was brought from Germany in the 1800s by former owner Sir Charles Isham, and the organisers of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual cycle ride which is taking place at the Hall on 21st September are hoping that ‘Lampy’ – who is allegedly insured for an impressive £2m – will inspire those cyclists keen to pedal off with the prize for the best fancy dress!
The ride, which last year saw around 1100 riders take part, is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton charity Kidsaid, which supports youngsters who have suffered bereavement, bullying, abuse of family issues, and Sue Bownass from the hospice is encouraging riders to re-create the white-bearded, pointy-capped look of the little statue; “We’ve had some great outfits in previous years including cats, cartoon superheroes and even the T-Birds and Pink Ladies from Grease and they really put a smile on our riders’ faces!” explained Sue.
“So we’d love it if we had a few gnomes leap into their saddles this year because, while the ride has a serious mission to raise much-needed funds for our two deserving charities, it’s also a great fun, family event and this would be the perfect costume to wear to mark the arrival at our new venue!” she added.
Those are sentiments echoed by Lamport’s Assistant Property Manager, Neil Lyon who is delighted that their famous diminutive houseguest might be immortalised in this way; “Gnomes have often been seen as figures of ridicule but last year, Lampy was given the seal of approval when he was invited to be a guest of honour at the Chelsea Flower Show - the first time gnomes had been allowed in!” explained Neil.
“I’m sure Lampy would be pleased to think that he was playing his small part in helping to raise even more money for this wonderful event and he cant wait to see all those riders with red pointed hats perched on top of their cycle helmets pedal off down the drive!” enthused Neil.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, now in its eleventh year, will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families for those registering before 5th September.
For more information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or to become an event sponsor, please call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
One of Northamptonshire’s most iconic food firms is among those companies lending their support to the county’s favourite annual cycle ride – and is doing so both in pedalling and in pounds!
Heygates Flour and Animal Feed based at Bugbrooke is not only entering a team into Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is this year raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity Kidsaid, but is also sponsoring one of the pit stops which offers refreshments to the cyclists en route.
The ride, which is taking place on Sunday 21st September, is starting from Lamport Hall and Heygates’ team captain, Laurie Pearson says he and his fellow pedallers are looking forward to jumping into the saddle again at the new venue; “We’ve loved being part of this wonderful event for a number of years because it has a really amazing atmosphere and it’s a super way to support these two great causes while having fun at the same time” explained Laurie.
“The last three years at Althorp were fantastic with more than 1000 riders creating a really colourful spectacle, but it’s great to have the challenge of this new setting as it keeps the event really fresh, so I’d urge more businesses to pull on their lycra and join us!” he enthused.
Those are sentiments echoed by Sue Bownass at the hospice who believes that the excitement behind the recent UK leg of the Tour de France and the Commonwealth Games, following hot on the heels of the Women’s Tour stages in the county earlier in the summer, will spur even more riders to sign up for the event; “More than a million people turned out in Yorkshire and then East Anglia to watch the professionals whizz by in a few seconds, while the fans also braved the rain in Glasgow to watch the riders, which just goes to prove that the passion for cycling is simply growing and growing” said Sue.
“So we’re really hopeful that we can turn some of that enthusiasm into bums in saddles and that a record number of cyclists will help us to raise more much-needed funds for our two charities” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families for those registering before 5th September.
For more information, including details of the routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or to become an event sponsor, please call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
A former professional footballer from the county will be diving into his underwear drawer in search of a special pair of pants this September as he leaps into the saddle to support Northamptonshire’s favourite annual cycle ride!
Ex-Cobblers and Rushden and Diamonds captain Ray Warburton will be donning a pair of ‘lucky undies’ as he takes part in Cycle for Cynthia, which is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Kidsaid, the Northampton charity offering support to youngsters who have suffered abuse, bereavement, bullying or family issues.
The pants in question are those that he wore when he led the Cobblers to their dramatic promotion win to the Second Division in the play-off final at Wembley in 1997 and which helped to secure further glory when his Rushden and Diamonds side gained league status just four years later. Now Ray, who revealed his unusual lucky charm in a local radio interview during the build up to the play-off, is hoping that they can help him increase the £1700 sponsorship he raised for the ride last year.
“A friend invited me to take part after losing his wife at the hospice so we and a group of four others from our local pub rode and had a great day!” explained Ray.
“The atmosphere was amazing and there was real camaraderie among the cyclists, whether they were riding just for fun or in support of a loved one. So I’m really looking forward to this year and hope that my unusual cotton mascot will prompt people to donate and put a smile on their face and help to top the £2k mark!” he added.
The former defender, who stepped out of football in 2005, is also hoping to recruit a few more cyclists for his team through his company, Home Instead Senior Care in Northampton, which offers personalised care at home for the elderly; “We work with some end of life clients and people in vulnerable situations and I cannot think of a better charity to be supporting than the hospice and of course, being a parent myself I really feel for those children who need Kidsaid’s support.
“Now that my colleagues and friends have heard what a fabulous ride it was, we hope to have a really good turn out this year and I’d urge anyone with two wheels to join us in signing up!” he enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50-mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
For more information, including details of the new routes, entry and sponsorship forms, or to register online, please call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
One of the world’s top cyclists is urging businesses from across the county to leap into their saddles in support of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride!
Hannah Barnes, who lives in Towcester, was back in her home county earlier this month competing against elite riders from around the globe in the inaugural Women’s Tour to be held in the UK, but still took time out to lend her support to Cycle 4 Cynthia, which this year will benefit Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity, Kidsaid.
Sadly, Hannah is unable to take part herself at the event being held at Lamport Hall in the autumn as she’ll be competing in Europe but hopes that her success and the recent local interest in the tour will inspire the county’s cyclists to sign up.
"It's a real shame that my own time trial in Spain means I can't take part in this year's Cycle 4 Cynthia as it sounds like a really fantastic day and of course it's supporting two great local charities" explained Hannah.
"But I'd really encourage everyone to get involved though as cycling is such a sociable sport and I've met so many great people and lifelong friends whilst taking part in events or just enjoying a weekend ride around the park or to a pub and back! So get in those saddles and get pedalling and I wish everyone a really wonderful day come September!' she added.
Those are sentiments echoed by Sue Bownass from the hospice who is anticipating that last year’s record-breaking number of riders can be beaten come 21st September; “Last year a large number of companies joined us, meaning we had an impressive total of almost 1100 riders, but I’m confident that, with the support of more firms and their staff, we can be even bigger and raise even more money this year!
“The coverage from the Women’s Tour has shown that the sport is massive in the county at the moment, so we really hope that those who came out to wave on Hannah and her fellow riders will now be spurred into getting on their own two wheels to support these two vital local charities and take part in this really wonderful day!” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
For more information, including details of the new routes, entry and sponsorship forms, online, registry or to enter a corporate team, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
The team behind Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride is delighted to announce that this year’s event will also be helping some of the county’s most vulnerable youngsters.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is taking place at its new home of Lamport Hall on Sunday 21st September, will not only be raising much-needed funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and its team of community nurses as before, but also now welcomes Kidsaid as a new beneficiary – the Northampton-based charity which provides support for children and young people who have suffered abuse, bereavement, bullying and family problems.
Countess Spencer who is Patron of Kidsaid, and whose husband The Earl Spencer is Patron of the Hospice, explained why the partnership is so valuable; “I am absolutely delighted that Kidsaid has been chosen to benefit from this wonderful event and on behalf of the charity, I’m grateful to all those cyclists who will be putting in such a great effort for us later this year.
“Children living in the aftermath of trauma need and deserve the kind of support that Kidsaid can offer and thanks to Cycle 4 Cynthia’s support, the charity will be able to deliver proper help to more youngsters who desperately need its services.”
The exciting details of Kidsaid’s involvement, which will see them receive ten percent of the monies raised from the event, coincides with news of the merger of the hospice’s two fundraising arms - the Cynthia Spencer Charitable Trust and the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice - to form the Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity. As its Chair, Pam Nock, revealed, this year’s ride will be a massive boost to its early success; “We’re delighted that this new, all-encompassing charity has been created and I want to assure all those who will be generously pedalling for us in September that the money they raise will enable us to continue offering a first class service to our patients and their families, just as we have for the last 38 years!
“So we’d really encourage everyone to dig out their bikes and join us for what is always a fabulous day and of course help not only Kidsaid but also to give our new charity the best possible start.”
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
For more information, including details of the new routes, entry and sponsorship forms, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has been launched for its eleventh year with the exciting news that it is on the move!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which has now raised more than three hundred thousand pounds for its two benefiting charities - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county - over the past decade, has been held at Althorp for the last three years but, this year, Lamport Hall will be the host venue.
The details were revealed at the launch event staged at Franklin’s Gardens (Weds 12th Feb) where Saints players Christian Day and Sam Dickinson were on hand to present the trophies to the prize winners from last year’s ride and to hand over the cheque for the money raised in 2013 – an impressive total, being just shy of £52,000!
Launch host Sue Bownass from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice thanked all those who’d helped to make the tenth anniversary ride such a success; “Every year, we never imagine that it could get any better, yet every year it does!” she enthused.
“On behalf of both Macmillan and the hospice I would like to say a massive thank you to all those fabulous riders who took part last year, to all the amazing the volunteers who helped on the day and to our sponsors, who all played their part in raising such a wonderful sum of money which will enable our two charities to continue our valuable work.” she added.
Among those at the launch was 56 year-old Mike Holliday who is President of the A5 Rangers Cycling Club based in Towcester. Having taken part in the ride with his wife Sue as part of a club team for the last 5 years, he says he’s looking forward to the challenge of the new venue and is encouraging more riders to leap into the saddle; “The event has had a number of homes over the last decade and it’s exciting to learn that it’s moving to Lamport because it just adds a new dimension and of course we’ll be seeing different parts of Northamptonshire too, which keeps it fresh!” Mike explained.
“But regardless of the beautiful backdrop, the ride is about enjoying the pedalling and showing support for these two remarkable charities, so I’d urge everyone to come and join us and share the fun of what is always a super day!” he added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2014, again offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, is taking place on Sunday 21st September at Lamport Hall.
More information, including details of the new routes and entry and sponsorship forms will be available shortly at www.cycle4cynthia.com or by calling Sue at the hospice on 01604 678088.
Cyclists across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to leap into the saddle to show their support for the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia 2014, on its eleventh anniversary!
The event, which has raised over a quarter of a million pounds for its two benefiting charities - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county - over the past decade, is being launched at Franklin’s Gardens at 6pm on Wednesday 12th February.
Saints coach Jim Mallinder, who has ridden in the event for the last two years, will again be on hand to present the trophies to the prize winners from 2013, including to the individual who raised the most money, the team sporting the best fancy dress and the Chairman’s prize which is given to the person deemed to have made a special contribution to the event.
Jim will be joined by players Christian Day and Calum Clark, who captained the England Saxons last month, although sadly Dylan Hartley and Tom Wood, who rode with their coach last year, will be absent owing to their being on training duty for England’s Six Nations campaign. However, subject to next season’s fixture list, they all hope to take part in the ride itself, as does former Northamptonshire and England cricketer Allan Lamb who pedalled last year.
Among those out in force at the launch will be staff from St Andrew’s in Northampton, which has just named the hospice as its chosen charity of the year. Phil Broxton, who is Therapy Manager for Men’s Service, explained why they’re so keen to get involved again; “We’ve had riders of all ages and abilities take part in the event for the last three years and, thanks to the great organisation and the amazing atmosphere on the day, our guys have always really enjoyed it, so our team’s set to be even bigger this time!” said Phil.
“Cycling is also a great for improving your fitness so I’d really encourage everyone to take part as I can’t think of a better way of showing support for these two fantastic and thoroughly deserving charities!” he added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2014, offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, is taking place on Sunday 21st September at an exciting new venue – the details of which will be unveiled at the launch.
Anyone wishing to take part is cordially invited to attend the launch event at Franklin’s Gardens on Wednesday 12th February. To find out more details, to book your place or to pledge your involvement in the ride, please contact Sue at the hospice on 01604 678088.
“That was fantastic! I’ll definitely be back next year” – the resounding words of a tired but jubilant Saints captain Dylan Hartley after taking part in the tenth anniversary of the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia at Althorp yesterday. (Sun 22nd Sept)
The event, a key fundraiser for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer House and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county, has raised more than £250,000 since it began nine years ago with this year’s ride attracting a record-breaking 1100 cyclists.
Dylan, whose bike was recently stolen, had intended to cycle just the 5-mile route, but was so buoyed by the early morning atmosphere that he leapt onto a borrowed pink-saddled, fixed-gear bike to join the hundreds of those pedalling the 25 mile route. Meanwhile his fellow club and country forward Tom Wood and coach Jim Mallinder tackled 50 miles around a gloriously sunny west Northamptonshire – a challenge laid down by fellow rider and former England cricketer Allan Lamb.
“I was only going to do the short distance because I still felt a bit battered from yesterday’s game,” explained Dylan at the finishing line “but watching all those riders doing their bit for two such great causes made me want to join them!
“It was such an amazing thing to be part of and assuming I’m not quite so bruised, I’ll definitely join the rest of the guys and do the long route next year!” he enthused.
Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley and former Generation Game hostess Isla St Clair were also on hand to cheer on the riders taking part, among them Aarron Shelton from Kettering who left his parents behind on the course to be the first 25-miler home in just under one hour and fifteen minutes. The family were cycling in memory of Aarron’s pap Peter who had passed away last December after being cared for at the hospice.
There were also three generations of one family out in force as Nancy Davies, aged 6 from Silverstone, cycled 5 miles with mum Chloe while her 63 year-old grandfather Gordon Foxton from Moreton Pinkney completed 50 miles with his friend Julian Rivers from Earls Barton.
Meanwhile Suzzi Jwanczuk from Far Cotton in Northampton, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, completed the 5-mile route in her motorised wheelchair, supported by her husband Daniel, sister Karen and mum Linda who were each remembering family members dear to their hearts.
For Sue Bownass from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer hospice, the event could not have gone better; ‘Such wonderful weather, a fantastic turn out, some great support and a truly party atmosphere, it seems the gods were really smiling on us today!” she grinned as the last of the cycle-laden vehicles departed the estate car park.
“I can’t say a big enough thank you to all those who took part, and of course to our marvellous team of volunteers, marshals, sponsors and supporters who’ve made this a tenth anniversary ride to be proud of!” she added.
It will be some before it is known if the 2012 total of £55,000 has been bettered but for now, riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to The Friends of Cynthia Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
Meanwhile to pledge your sponsorship or support for next year’s ride, please call Sue at the Friends on 01604 678088.
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.
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride is gearing up for its biggest year yet with stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment lining up to ensure its tenth anniversary is another record breaker!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which has raised around £250,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county since it began nine years ago, is back at Althorp on Sunday 22nd September and among those joining the hundreds of cyclists taking part are former England cricketer Allan Lamb, former Generation Game hostess Isla St. Clair, Saints coach, Jim Mallinder and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley.
For Jim, Allan and Jo, who’ve all taken part before, signing up again was an easy decision, as Jim explained; “The Saints are always keen to get involved in local community events and those of us from the club who rode last year had such a great time, we were really keen to pedal again this year in support of these two deserving causes.
“I also hope to bring some of the players with me who’ll now doubt be keen to show off their early season fitness on two wheels, especially as Lamby has challenged us to do 50 miles this year!” he added.
Allan has indeed also pledged to take the longest of the three routes of 5, 25 and 50 miles, a distance which he says is just a little further than his regular rides; “I can’t really run these days because of my calves so cycling is a fantastic way of keeping up my fitness and I love clocking up the miles across Northamptonshire” he explained.
“I normally do around 35 miles but with Althorp as a backdrop to the start of the ride and the west of the county being so picturesque, I’m sure the extra effort will be worth it. It promises to be a really special day” he enthused.
Those sentiments were echoed by Sue Bownass from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice who is hoping that more riders will join the quartet of celebrities by registering over the next fortnight; “Every year I can’t imagine that it could get any better, but it really does and I’m sure that we’ll get a boost of pedallers who’ll be keen to join us to cycle alongside their heroes” explained Sue.
“So, to help us break our record of almost eleven hundred riders who cycled last year, I would urge anyone whose ridden before, and newcomers like Isla, of whatever age or ability, to dig out their wheels and come and join us and help make this tenth anniversary ride the best yet!” she added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, on Sunday 22nd September, with riders again being able to choose from 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising after 6th September) and participants are then encouraged to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. Entry and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.com
Meanwhile, if you would like to enter a business team or would like to offer your support as a sponsor, marshal or volunteer on the day, please call Sue at the Friends on 01604 678088.
The owner of a Northampton cycle shop believes that Britain’s second consecutive victory in the Tour de France can only help to further boost the current buzz for biking and make this year’s tenth anniversary Cycle 4 Cynthia the biggest and best yet!
Liz Bates of The Bike Shed in Kings Heath thinks the charity event, which has raised around £250,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county since it began nine years ago, will benefit from the hype surrounding Chris Froome’s yellow jersey success, just as it did following Sir Bradley Wiggins’ win last year.
We’ve certainly been riding the quest of the cycling wave here at the shop since Wiggo took the title 12 months ago” explained Liz “and then that was immediately followed by all those British medals at the Olympics, which of course was just fantastic for the sport and all of us associated with it.
“Cycling’s never been so popular and this annual ride, in which a team from the shop will be cycling for our seventh year, is such great fun that I’d urge anyone who’s been inspired by the Tour win to dig out their old bike from the garage, or invest in a new one, and sign up to take part!” she enthused.
Those sentiments were echoed by Sue Bownass from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice who is keen to see yet more records broken for this special anniversary ride; “I’ve seen lots of people pedalling out on the roads recently, making the most of the warm weather, so it would seem that cycling is really flourishing, both as a sport and as a leisure pursuit,” said Sue.
“Last year our biggest turnout of almost 1100 riders of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities raised just shy of fifty-five thousand pounds for our two charities, which was incredible. So while it’s a tough challenge, I’m confident that the people of Northamptonshire will help make our tenth event the best ever!” she added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer, on Sunday 22nd September, with riders again being able to choose from 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families (rising by £5 after 6th September) and participants are then encouraged to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. Entry and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.com.
Meanwhile, if you would like to enter a business team or would like to offer your support as a sponsor, marshal or volunteer on the day, please call Sue at the Friends on 01604 678088.
10th Anniversary Cycle4Cynthia Sponsorship Packages Announced
This year is a very special year for us, as our Cycle4Cynthia charity cycling event is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The event continues to attract serious cyclists and families from across the East Midlands and raises tens of thousands of pounds each year for two very worthwhile charities.
We have put together some sponsorship packages which we hope companies may consider taking up. As you can see they are designed to enhance the event with some bespoke items that will make this year’s event that bit more special, in celebration of this special anniversary, as well as generate income to make the event the most successful yet. This sponsorship creates opportunities for all companies large and small to raise their profile and demonstrate their support for people in their community affected by a life-limiting illness. We hope you will be able to help support Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support and we very much look forward to hearing from you.
Please feel free to contact us if you wish to discuss this further or would like to help in any other way.
We are keen to accommodate all those who wish to offer their support in whatever way.
Doctor Who actor Matt Smith supports charity bike ride!
The county’s favourite annual bike ride looks set to gain intergalactic recognition after receiving support from none other than the current Doctor Who, aka Northampton actor Matt Smith!
The former School for Boys pupil, who recently announced he will departing from the BBC’s hit show at Christmas after three series, is urging riders to sign up for this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia and help its two benefitting charities - the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county.
Matt had been invited to follow in the footsteps of former celebrities including Countess Spencer, singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers and Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley in opening the ride but is unable to perform the honours owing to his busy schedule.
“I grew up fairly close to the hospice so I know about its fantastic work and of course that of Macmillan, and I can’t imagine two more deserving causes,” explained Matt.
So I’m really sorry that I can’t be there on the day as I’ve heard it’s great fun for riders of all ages and abilities. If only I actually could time-travel, I’d be there with my sonic screwdriver!” he added.
Matt, who is perhaps better known for his footballing rather than cycling skills, having played in the youth teams for Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, is also busy promoting the Time Lord’s 50 years on screen as well as filming scenes for Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut ‘How to Catch a Monster’ so for Sue Bownass from the hospice, his absence is completely forgiven.
“It’s such a wonderfully hectic year for Matt and of course we’re sorry that he can’t join us at Althorp for what is always a fabulous event but to know that he’s behind us and will be thinking of us on the day is invaluable,” explained Sue. “Matt’s also kindly pledged to donate some signed memorabilia so we’ll raffle that and help raise a little more money for our two great causes.
“Of course, we also award a prize for the best fancy dress so perhaps we might get a few daleks or even cyberman cycling this year, although it might be easier to knit a long coloured scarf and wear that instead!” she enthused.
This year’s ride, the tenth anniversary of the event, is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 22nd September by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer and will again offer riders the chance to enjoy the west Northamptonshire countryside on either its 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families.
For details of the routes, to download entry and sponsorship forms or to enter online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com Alternatively to enter a business team, to pledge corporate sponsorship or your support as a volunteer on the day, please call Sue Bownass at the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088.
Members of one of Northamptonshire’s more unusual cycling clubs are gearing up to take part in the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia, later this year, but there’s not a thread of lycra in sight!
The quirkily named Northampton Organisation for Beer, Bikes and Steam, or NOBBS, place rather more sway on the pints than the pedals, but that won’t stop them giving their all for the event which raises money for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county.
Chris ‘Chopper Speedwobble’ Dyer is one of those who’ll be jumping into the saddle for the ride which is again taking place at Althorp in September; “The group started ten years ago when a bunch of friends thought it might be fun to cycle to local steam rallies, with the reward for our efforts of a couple of cold beverages when we got there” explained Chris.
“There are now more than thirty of us so over the last decade we’ve clocked up quite a few miles in search of a good pub and we’ve even done cycling trips in France, Italy and Poland.
But we love taking part in this fantastic event on our doorstep as these are two great causes and of course, this year, we’re both celebrating our tenth anniversaries,” he added.
The group prides itself on its wide variety of aged wheels, its lack of technical biking knowhow and its reputation for avoiding professional cycling gear, so with a fancy dress prize up for grabs, what might the NOBBS be donning this year? “We’ve done rides entirely in tweed before and even dressed as orange ghosts but I’m not sure what the plans are this time,” said Chris.
“Thankfully, we’ve got a few months yet to decide but I can guarantee that the decision will be made over a few swift halves!” he grinned.
One of those looking forward to seeing the NOBBS’ rig-out on the day is Sue Bownass from the hospice; “It’s great to be having the group’s support again and it just shows that, while there are plenty of those who’ll turn up in lycra and take the riding very seriously, it’s also a great fun day out for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
“We’d therefore urge anyone who wants to be part of this wonderful event to join us and help to support the life-changing work of our two invaluable charities,” she added.
This year’s ride, the tenth anniversary of the event, is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 22nd September by kind permission of The Earl and Countess Spencer and will again offer riders the chance to enjoy the west Northamptonshire countryside on one of its 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £35 for families.
For details of the routes, to download entry and sponsorship forms or to enter online, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com Alternatively to enter a business team, to pledge corporate sponsorship or your support as a volunteer on the day, please call Sue Bownass at the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088.
A 76-year old member of a Towcester cycling club is among those to be recognised for his commitment to fundraising for Cycle 4 Cynthia at the special event to mark the launch of the county’s tenth favourite annual bike ride, staged last week at Franklin’s Gardens.
Keith Mason, who belongs to the A5 Rangers Cycling Club, was honoured with the Chairman’s Award at the presentation evening after raising around £5,000 since first participating in the ride in 2007. The prize rewards those who have ‘gone that extra mile’ for the ride which raises funds for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county.
“I was really surprised to get this award!” said Keith after being presented with his cup by Saints coach Jim Mallinder. “I’ve loved taking part in the ride each year, missing only the 2010 ride after I had a nasty accident on my bike and was catapulted over the handlebars.
"It was that time out of the saddle that made me realise how easy it is to take good health for granted, so if I can do my bit for these two marvellous charities, then I will!”
The presentation evening also saw trophies go to Peter Semler from Blakesley for best fancy dress, having cycled aboard a penny farthing at the 2012 event; to Chris Locke from Northampton for raising the most sponsorship money – an impressive £1,400, while the biggest team shield was awarded to Northampton-based building services firm Briggs and Forrester for fielding a 144-strong contingent of pedallers!
The evening’s celebrations were topped off with the news that last year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia raised a record £55,000, a figure which prompted Diane Saunderson, Chairman of Macmillan’s Northampton fundraising committee, to congratulate all those who took part in the ride last year at Althorp.
“Speaking on behalf of both charities, I can’t say a big enough thank you to all those who leapt into their saddles and raised such a wonderful sum of money,” she enthused.
“While none of us hopes we will ever need to make use of our services, there are those for whom our work is already vital and sadly that’s never going to change. This money will allow both the hospice and Macmillan to continue doing what it does so brilliantly, and for that we are incredibly grateful,” she added.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2013, which is the ride’s tenth anniversary, offers riders the choice of 5, 25 and 50 mile routes will take place at Althorp on Sunday 22nd September by kind permission of the Earl and Countess Spencer. For more details on how to enter, or to pledge your business support, please call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.
The ride has raised almost a quarter of a million pounds for its two benefiting charities - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county - over the past nine years and is being launched for its tenth anniversary at Franklin’s Gardens at 6pm on Wednesday 6th February.
Jim, who rode the 50 mile distance with his son Harry at Althorp last September and who will be presenting the prizes for the largest team, biggest fundraiser, best fancy dress, and most importantly the cheques to the two charities, is encouraging county businesses to show their support.
“Being among more than a thousand riders who took part last year was a really special experience,” explained Jim. “Not only did we have a great time, pedalling around some of the most beautiful parts of the county, but we also felt we were really helping these two wonderful causes that do such vital work.
“I would urge as many companies as possible to get a team together and take part and I shall certainly be trying to spur on more of the gang from Franklin’s Gardens to join me and leap into their saddles this year!”
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2013, offering riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes, is taking place on Sunday 22nd September at Althorp by kind permission of the Earl and Countess Spencer.
Any businesses wishing to take part are cordially invited to attend the launch event at Franklin’s Gardens on Wednesday 6th February. To book your place or to pledge your involvement in the ride, please contact annamurby@hotmail.com or call Sue Bownass at the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088.
Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia, has done it again, with a total of almost 1100 riders taking part in the annual event at Althorp on Sunday (23rd September), making it another record-breaker!
The ride, which has raised almost £200,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county since it began eight years ago and which saw nearly 900 cyclists take part last year, was officially opened by BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley.
Thanking the assembled throng of two-wheelers for their support and warning them not to imitate her own youthful cycling catastrophe when she broke her shoulder coming off a friend’s bike just outside the gates – a spot which the family now refers to as ‘collarbone corner’ – Jo fired the starting gun to set off the riders on their 50, 25 and 5 mile route before leaping into the saddle to pedal the 5 miles with her husband Steve and 13 year old son Jude. “I can’t believe what an amazing sight it was,” said Jo “to see all those riders stretching as far as the eye could see down the path in front of the house. It really was the most wonderful atmosphere with everyone keen to do their bit in support of these two fantastic charities. The whole family loved being here and we’ve already pledged to do 25 miles next year!”
Also adding a high-profile seal of approval to the event were BBC Radio Northampton afternoon presenter John Griff, who was aboard a borrowed bicycle after his own was recently stolen, and Saints coach Jim Mallinder who rode the middle distance with his son Harry and fellow club staff members - a relatively gentle pedal compared with the 200km leg of the Tour de France in which he took part earlier in the summer. “Being an avid cyclist myself, and with the Saints keen to support community events, it was a real privilege to be asked to get involved with the ride. How could I say no?!” said Jim.
“It was also touching to hear the personal stories of why so many riders were taking part and so I’ll definitely be getting a few more pedalling in my black, green and gold team next year!” he added.
Others leaping into their saddles included Peter Semler from Blakesley, who created quite a spectacle by cycling 25 miles on his penny farthing, Keith Chant from New Duston, who was celebrating his 72nd birthday by cycling 50 miles with his son Paul in memory of his father-in-law who’d been cared for at the hospice and the Newman family from Burton Latimer - Mum Dionne, Dad Dave and children Kian aged 2 and nine year old Georgie. As Dionne explained, they too were remembering a loved one. “My step-mum’s dad was helped by both Macmillan and the hospice and we felt this would be a super way for the family to come together for a great day out as well as raise money for these two most deserving causes.”
Finally, after securing the ‘largest team’ prize last year with 74 riders, the Northampton building services firm Briggs and Forrester all but doubled their efforts to win a free drinks reception at Althorp, a prize generously offered by Earl Spencer to the biggest corporate entry, with 144 riders pedalling the west Northamptonshire countryside.
And so it was that, despite the rain that tumbled for the latter part of the event, Sue Bownass from the Friends hailed C4C 2012 as a great success. “While the earlier finishers had the best of the weather, even the later riders’ spirit wasn’t dampened by the miserable conditions. In fact everyone was incredible, grinning as they crossed under the finishing arch.
“On behalf of the hospice and Macmillan, we want to say a massive thank you to all the riders and of course to the volunteers who marshalled, manned the pit stops or handed out the medals, without whom we wouldn’t have had such a remarkable day!” she enthused.
While the number of riders taking part is a twenty percent increase on last year’s figure, it will be some time before it’s known if the 2011 total of £47,000 has been bettered. Riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to The Friends of Cynthia Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
To see more pictures of the ride at Althorp, or to pledge your support or sponsorship for next year, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk
Organisers of the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride are hoping that Bradley Wiggins’ victory in the Tour de France and the British cycling team’s promising start to the Olympics will inspire hundreds of Northamptonshire riders to leap into their saddles!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which has raised almost £200,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county since it began eight years ago, saw nearly 900 riders take part at its new home of Althorp last year and it’s hoped that the country’s passion for pedalling will see more than a thousand take part this year and hopefully set another fundraising record.
For Sue Bownass of the Friends, this current enthusiasm for two-wheels couldn’t have come at a better time; “You’ve only got to look at the increase in bike sales that has happened in the last fortnight to see that there’s a real cycling craze at the moment,” said Sue “and if we can encourage some of those new riders to join our fabulous band of regular supporters, many of whom have been taking part in this wonderful event for years, it will be fantastic for our two charities and the vital work we do.
“And of course with the ride now starting and finishing right in front of Earl Spencer’s magnificent family home, it should be even more of an incentive for keen cyclists, fun riders and families to join us. Who needs the Champs-Élysées when you’ve got Althorp Park?!” she added.
This year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 23rd September, with riders again being able to choose from 5, 25 or 50 mile routes. Entry, which this year includes a family fun day, is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £30 for families (each rising by £5 after 9th September) and participants are then encouraged to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. Entry and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.com
Finally, entries are still coming in from local businesses vying to take the coveted prize of a free drinks reception at Althorp for the largest corporate team from the county to take part, as kindly donated by The Earl Spencer. Fore more details on that, or to book a stall at the event, please contact Sue at the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088.
Following last year’s successful move to its new home of Althorp, the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has now been offered VIP – that’s ‘Very Important Pedallers’ - access to start and finish right outside Earl Spencer’s front door!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which has raised almost £200,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support since it began eight years ago, has been given the rare opportunity to use the house as its backdrop – a personal invitation from Lord Spencer himself after witnessing the success of last year’s ride.
“Last year my wife started the ride with the cyclists setting off from Althorp’s West Gate,” explained the Earl. “It was quite a sight, watching hundreds of them pedal off down the driveway and past the house. But we are so committed to this event, which supports these two key charities in Northamptonshire, that we want the very best for it. So this year we’re moving the starting and finishing points to right in front of the house. I hope this will make the day that little bit more special – and hopefully encourage even more cyclists to take part, which will then of course lead to more money raised for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and for Macmillan.”
The invitation follows Earl Spencer’s generous pledge made earlier this year to reward the largest corporate team from Northamptonshire to take part with a free drinks reception at Althorp, and for Cherida Plumb from Macmillan Cancer Support, this further offer couldn’t have been more timely; “We were already making plans to stage a family fun day alongside the ride so that supporters could come and enjoy some games and activities while their loved ones were out en route,” said Cherida. “Having this beautiful stately home as our backdrop is just going to be the icing on what promises to be a really delicious cake!”
The news of the move into the expansive grounds also seems to be going down well with the cyclists themselves, including Claire Dixon from Spinney Hill, whose Mum passed away at the hospice on New Year’s Eve 2010; “Raising money at last year’s ride was a great way to say thank you for the incredible care my Mum received,” explained Claire. “But we were on the edge of the estate and only really glimpsed the house as we pedalled past so I think that moving the whole event to what is effectively Earl Spencer’s front lawn is going to be amazing!”
This year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia is taking place at Althorp on Sunday 23rd September. If you would like to take part, either as a corporate team, a family or as an individual, or would like a stall at the family fun day at a cost of £25, please call Sue Bownass at Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088 or visit www.cycle4cynthia.com
Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides a specialist health service for people whose illness is no longer curable. The hospice currently serves a population of more than 300,000 people and is a purpose-built 20-bed unit. For information, log on to www.csh.co.uk or phone Sue Bownass, Community Fundraising, on 01604 678088.
Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support to families affected by cancer. For information log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/Northamptonshire or ‘phone Cherida Plumb, Fundraising Manager for Northamptonshire on 07793118722
One in three of us will be touched by cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it. Macmillan Cancer Support is a force for change: listening to people affected by cancer and working together for better cancer care.
Cycle4Cynthia will be able to reclaim 25p for every £1 given as long as the sponsors place their HOME ADDRESS details on the forms
• Althorp has been home to the Spencer family for more than 500 years and contains a fascinating variety of pictures, furniture and ceramics as well as some fine interiors. Althorp is delighted to welcome visitors to explore the house, including its award-winning exhibition Diana: A Celebration, stroll through the park and relax in the beautiful gardens from 1st July to 30th August inclusive. For more details visit www.althorp.com
The annual bike ride, now in its ninth year, is a major fundraiser for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county and last year over 900 riders helped raise a record-breaking total of £47k in sponsorship.
Among the firms who are pledging to enter is Robert Wiseman Dairies, which has a depot at Raunds near Wellingborough. Last year the company generously donated gallons of their milk to quench the thirst of the returning cyclists, but as Sales Manager Sam Eccles explains, this year they hope it will be their team who’ll be swapping the white stuff for the bubbly; “As part of our Wiseman in the Community programme, we’re really keen to offer our support again to this fantastic event! This is such a great incentive, I hope we won’t have any difficulty in recruiting plenty of riders!”
Meanwhile Brackmills-based British Pepper & Spice will also be vying to take the prestigious prize which was offered by The Earl Spencer at the launch of C4C 2012 following the event’s successful move to his home in 2011. “We’ve taken part in the ride for the last three years,” explains the firm’s team captain Fran Hunt, “and of course we’d love to be attending a drinks reception at Althorp! But,” she added “our real reason for trying to enter such a large team is to say a massive thank you to the staff at the hospice and at Macmillan who, as everyone at BPS is well aware, give such wonderful care and support when needed most.”
Those are just two challengers for the prize going up against Northampton building services firm Briggs and Forrester who have already vowed to expand on their team of 74 which took part last year. It’s that healthy corporate competition that is music to the ears of Sue Bownass from The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice; “There are so many reasons to leap into the saddle this year,” said Sue, “whether it’s to delight in the beautiful setting of Althorp, enjoy a personal challenge or to raise money for our two great causes. And now with this unique prize up for grabs, we hope that lots of local businesses will get as many staff and supporters involved as possible!”
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2012 will take place at Althorp on Sunday 23rd September. For more details on how to enter a team from your business and the chance to win a free drinks reception at Althorp, or to pledge sponsorship, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or email annamurby@hotmail.com.
Northamptonshire businesses are being invited to be guests of honour at a free drinks reception at Althorp, courtesy of an impromptu gesture by The Earl Spencer at the 2012 launch of the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia.
The Earl’s exclusive offer came after feeling moved by the efforts of the Northampton-based building services firm Briggs and Forrester in the 2011 ride. They picked up the ‘biggest team’ prize from Karen, Countess Spencer at the launch held at Franklin’s Gardens earlier this month (Weds, 1st Feb) with 74 riders. They also raised nearly four thousand pounds of the record-breaking sponsorship total of £47k in aid of The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county.
On hearing the pledge of the team captain, Briggs and Forrester’s Commercial Director Alec Sarjeant, that they would have over a hundred cyclists in this year’s ride, Lord Spencer rose unexpectedly to his feet and laid down the gauntlet; “My wife and I are delighted to be able to host this wonderful ride at our home again this year and we would like to throw a drinks party for the largest corporate team and their partners to say ‘well done’. Both charities deserve all the support we can give them and, because we really do want to make this the best Cycle 4 Cynthia yet, we hope that this will act as a real incentive to some of the county’s businesses to take part.”
Among those in the audience who were heard to gasp at the spontaneous offer was Sue Bownass from The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. “What a truly fantastic gesture!” she said. “None of us saw that coming! We can’t thank the Earl and Countess enough for their support and this just goes to show that they really care about the event and the difference the money raised can make to our work at the hospice and that of Macmillan locally. Fingers crossed we can top 1000 riders this year and break yet more records – and with this reward for the biggest corporate team up for grabs, we can surely do it!”
The offer was the Earl and Countess’ second big announcement of the evening, having earlier revealed that they are expecting their first child together in July.
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2012 will take place at Althorp on Sunday 23rd September. For more details on how to enter a team from your business or to pledge sponsorship, please email annamurby@hotmail.com.
Cycle4Cynthia sets another remarkable riding record!
Nearly nine hundred riders have pedalled a total of almost 30,000 miles around the county to make this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia the biggest and best yet!
The event, which raises money for two charities, The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county, was staged for the first time in its eight year history at Althorp and was opened by Karen, Countess Spencer who was performing her first official UK duty since marrying the Earl Spencer in June.
Addressing the assembled throng of riders at the West Gate to the Estate, and looked on by two further Spencers – the hospice’s new rabbit mascot and her husband, who was there to lend a supporting ear - Karen spoke of her delight at being involved. “It’s super to be able to host you at our wonderful home,” she told the cyclists, ‘and if I may speak on behalf these two charities, thank you so much for lending your support.”
She also spoke warmly of her new family connection to the event. “I’ve seen firsthand the vital work of the hospice, which of course is named after my husband’s grandmother, and that of the Macmillan nurses team, and so I know what today, and your efforts, means to them.” With that she then thanked the crowd for the honour of being asked to start the event, fired the hooter and set the pedallers on their way.
Riders chose from distances of five, 25 and 50 miles, all of which set off through the Park, and clearly the new routes were a great success! Husband and wife team Maxwell and Lynsey Bagnell from Northampton took just under three hours to cycle the 25 miles aboard their tandem and were full of praise for the new venue. “This is a gorgeous setting,” said Maxwell “and it was real high to see the Earl and Countess too. Sometimes the legs were a bit sore, pumping up the hills, but you only had to look around you at the glorious countryside and it really helped us to keep going!”
Meanwhile, the youngest participant was an aptly-named, 8 month old Madeleine McMillan, who hitched a ride, along with her sister Jasmine aged 10, aboard Dad Alastair’s three-seater. Not to be outdone, Mum Bernadette shared her tandem with their five-year-old son Euan, while their third daughter Heidi, aged 13, went solo! “We live in Spinney Hill” said Alastair, “so this is a great way to have a super family day out and help the hospice on our doorstep. We took part last year but this setting is much better!” And when challenged on why they didn’t do the 50 mile route; “We cycled here,” said Bernadette “and we’ve got to cycle home so that’s more than enough for one day – but we’ve all loved it!”
Similar sentiments rang out across the event village as riders returned to the Estate for their well-earned refreshments, much to the delight of one of the organisers, Sue Bownass of The Friends of Cynthia Spencer. “Today has just been awesome” she grinned, “with everyone saying what a fantastic atmosphere it is. We’re absolutely thrilled to be at Althorp and with the invitation from Earl Spencer to be back here next year, I think we’ve found a wonderful new home!”
Meanwhile Bernadette Halton, who is Macmillan’s Area Fundraising Manager covering Northamptonshire, paid tribute to the many hundreds of riders who turned out to make it such a success. “We can’t really say a big enough thank you to those who’ve leapt into their saddles and joined us, and thanks to the good weather, we’ve had almost 100 riders turn up on the day, which is great. And I must also say thanks to all the companies who’ve sponsored us so generously and to all our volunteers who made this such an amazing day – we couldn’t have done it without them!”
While the number of riders taking part is a ten percent increase on last year’s 800, it will be some time before it's known if the 2010 total of £40,000 has been bettered.
Riders are kindly encouraged to collect their sponsorship money as quickly as possible and deliver or send it to The Friends of Cynthia Hospice, Manfield Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP, making cheques payable to ‘Cycle 4 Cynthia’.
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.
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
An increase in rates in the middle-aged. A greater risk the taller you are.
Sadly barely a week goes by when the issue of cancer doesn’t make it into the headlines for the wrong reasons, which is why the work of Macmillan Cancer Support is all the more important, one hundred years after the charity was founded.
To mark the centenary, the organisers of Northamptonshire’s biggest annual fundraising bike ride are laying down a special challenge to its cyclists this year – to raise at least £100 in sponsorship each – a pound for every year of the charity – with the reward of being entered into a prize draw to win a family hot air balloon trip!
Cycle 4 Cynthia, taking place at Althorp on Sunday 25th September, is one of the key fundraisers in the calendar for both Macmillan and The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and according to Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager for Northamptonshire, Marcus Cox, taking part would be a great way to join in their celebrations. “2011 is a very important year for us and offers a perfect excuse for everyone to demonstrate their support of our vital work by getting involved. So I urge everyone to join us for this wonderfully fun event and hopefully raise £100 – perhaps even more if they can!”
Sue Bownass from The Friends agreed. “Last year we had over 800 cyclists join us and helped us to raise £40,000 which was fantastic. But this year we’re hoping that our new beautiful venue of Althorp will help to attract more than 1000 riders and if they could possibly all raise £100, that’s £100,000 in the kitty! We’re really grateful to Robert Wiseman Dairies for donating the prize because as well as knowing that the money is helping our two great charities, we hope the hot air balloon ride is an added incentive for people to raise as much as they can.”
£100 can help Macmillan to:
• keep a typical Macmillan information and support centre stocked for a week
• pay for a Macmillan nurse for half a day
• take a big step in its £1.55m appeal for its new haematology unit at Northampton General Hospital
Aside from the £100+ prize draw, anyone who raises sponsorship will be entered into a draw to win a £50 voucher to spend at Marks and Spencer.
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
A Northampton hairdresser is vowing to be back in the saddle for the county’s biggest fundraising cycle ride just months after breaking his leg in a skiing accident!
Carlo Cardinale, who owns ‘Outcast’ on Guildhall Road, smashed the fibula and tibia in his right leg back in January when he hit a tree just three days into his three week Californian holiday. But despite still taking painkillers, he’s determined to be fit and healthy to take part in this September’s Cycle 4 Cynthia, the annual event which raises money for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Before my accident I was cycling around 80 miles each week,” said Carlo “and last October I pedalled from London to Paris in another charity ride and really got the bug. What’s great about Cycle 4 Cynthia is it’s not only about supporting these two fantastic charities, but it’s also a wonderful incentive for me to get fit again - and I’m not going to let a couple of broken bones stop me!”
Following an operation in the States, Carlo’s leg is pinned and despite still using crutches from time to time, he’s already doing some gently cycle work and has picked up the comb and scissors again. And he’s getting more than just encouragement from his staff and customers at the salon.
“As well as being really generous with their donations for me, we’ve already got quite a number signed up to join the Outcast team so between us we’re hoping to raise a few hundred pounds. Plus we’ve got plans to make quite a visual splash at Althorp but we’re keeping that a secret! For now, I just want to concentrate on building back my my strength and even if I’m back in plaster come the day, I will do it!”
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2011 is taking place at its new home of 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. More details, including online registering, is available at the new look website - www.cycle4cynthia.com
If you would like to sponsor Carlo please drop in to Outcast or call the salon on 01604 233673. For more information about how to support this year’s event, including entering a team from your business, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
With exactly six months to the big day, the team behind the county’s largest fundraising cycle ride is delighted to announce that Cycle 4 Cynthia has a new home – and one that couldn’t be more appropriate!
Yes, the annual event, which has raised more than £150,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the county branch of Macmillan Cancer Support since it began in 2004, is moving to Althorp, home of The Earl Spencer.
As The Earl explained, it’s a most apt home for the ride. "Im really pleased that Cycle 4 Cynthia is coming to Althorp: its the perfect venue for an event that supports the hospice named after my grandmother, Cynthia Spencer and also Macmillan here in Northamptonshire. I hope that the 2011 ride will build on the success of past years. Im very aware that this is a fun event - but also that its a hugely important fundraising one for Cynthia Spencer, an institution that sits at the heart of our community, and the vital cancer charity that is Macmillan.”
Said Sue Bownass from the Friends, “We’re all really excited that Althorp is the new venue for this year’s ride. As the hospice’s President, Earl Spencer has always been a wonderful supporter and it’s great that he’s throwing open his gates to welcome our cyclists in this way. Frankly I can’t think of a more beautiful setting to start and end the ride than one of the country’s finest stately homes!”
Added Marcus Cox, Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager for Northamptonshire “We have an annual spring walk at Althorp which is always well supported so it’ll be great to be back there in September as well. I hope that some of our walkers will be tempted to leap into their saddles for the return visit!”
Meanwhile Chair of C4C John Pinkham thanked the Saints, who have played host to the event for the last three years. “The club has been fantastic in allowing us to stage the ride at Franklin’s Gardens and I know they will continue to support us. But we hope that the move to Althorp will help to attract many hundreds more riders to take part in this fantastic event and raise even more money for these two remarkable charities...which is our ultimate aim.”
Cycle 4 Cynthia 2011 will take 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 further information about the change of venue and the new routes, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk
If you would like to take part in this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia at Althorp, including entering as a family or corporate team, please contact Sue Bownass at Cynthia Spencer Hospice on 01604 678088
C4C 2010 – Record turn-out makes cycle ride Its ‘Magnificent Seventh!
Organisers of the countys biggest annual bike ride are celebrating a record turnout, making this years event – the seventh in its history - its best yet!
More than 800 riders leapt into their saddles to take part in last Sundays Cycle4Cynthia at Franklins Gardens – the home of Northampton Saints - which raises money for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in Northamptonshire.
In bright but cold sunshine, Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris bid the cyclists happy pedalling as hundreds set off to tackle the 50 mile ride around his west-Northamptonshire constituency, followed a few minutes later by the 25 milers and the 5 milers.
Many of those taking part were doing so in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Those included the Northampton family Team Gess (pictured) taking part in the 5 mile route in honour of Gerard Easty who lost his battle with the disease earlier this year. Said his wife Lesley “Gerard absolutely loved cycling and despite having just had a major operation, and against the advice of his doctors, took part last year. He had fantastic care at the hospice and we just had to be here today. Its been a wonderful day and most importantly weve raised over £1000 for the cause. Well definitely be here next year...and we might even do the 25 miles!”
As well as the professional road bikes, mountain bikes and the more standard leisure bikes, some riders caused quite a stir by turning up on tandems, tricycles and other adapted two-wheelers/ / 17 year olds Stephen and Dan (pictured), who are students at Kingsthorpe College, impressed many with their low-rise BMXs on which they completed the 50 mile route well inside 5 hours. Said Stephen “Im here because my great-grandma Muriel died of cancer and I wanted to do this for her. Weve had a great day and its just been brilliant to be part of this amazing event!”
Last years ride, in which nearly 700 riders took part, raised £36k which was split between the two charities and while its difficult to say how much this years event might bring in, Chairman of the Cycle4Cynthia committee, John Pinkham, is confident that that figure will be exceeded. “What an incredible day! I want to say a massive thank you to all those who took part in what has become a really fantastic event in the calendar for Northamptonshire! Now I would simply encourage everyone to fill up their sponsorship sheets and get their money sent in so that we might hope to pass the £40k mark for these two wonderful charities.”
Riders who have kindly raised money for the event are asked to send their cheque, made payable to Cycle4Cynthia to C4C, c/o Sue Bownass, Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Manfield Health Campus, Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6NP
CYCLE4CYNTHIA gets a boost of Parliamentary pedal power!
Cycle4Cynthia – the county’s annual bike extravaganza – will have the might of Westminster behind it this Sunday as Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris fires the starting gun to send riders on their way!
And Chris, who in sporting terms is better known as a football referee, will be swapping his whistle for his wheels to join in the ride himself, one of the biggest fundraisers in the year for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in Northamptonshire.
Said Chris “I’m really delighted to be playing my part in this wonderful occasion, not least because I consider the work of these two charities to be so vital but also because the ride takes in some of the most beautiful parts of my constituency. I’m so looking forward to seeing the hundreds of people who’ve generously signed up - I’m sure it will be quite a spectacle!”
Cycle4Cynthia has helped to raise more than £100,000 pounds for the two charities since it began six years ago and the organisers are hoping that this year will be the event’s ‘magnificent seventh’. Indeed, John Pinkham, who founded the ride, is delighted to have the MP’s support. ‘We’re so pleased that Chris is giving up one of his very rare free days away from the House to be with us and we know he’s going to send our riders off with a rousing message of support. And it’s still not too late to take part – riders can get entry forms from our website – www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk – and can even turn up on the day. Whatever the weather, we’ll be pedalling to raise as much money as we possibly can so come and join us!”
Cycle4Cynthia 2010 will, for the third year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes of 5, 25 and 50 miles, beginning at 9am, will start and finish at the club’s home ground, Franklin’s Gardens. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £30 for families and entry forms and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk More details are also available by calling 01604 678088.
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, commented, “With only a few days to go there’s just time to wish all those taking part a fantastic day and to say thank you for their efforts. We have to raise £650,000 a year through fundraising activities and charitable donations to maintain our exceptional quality of care and I know that, with Northamptonshire’s support, we will achieve it!”
Meanwhile Marcus Cox, who is Macmillan Cancer Support s fundraising manager for Northamptonshire, added “It looks like this year the number of cyclists could exceed that of last year but we still want riders to come forward and make this the biggest and best one yet. The charity has an annual target of £518,000 for the county alone so I would encourage everyone to jump into their saddles and be part of this fabulous ride!”
To find out more about the event, or to download entry and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
/ // // // // // // / Notes to editors: Please find attached a photo of Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris who will be getting this year’s Cycle4Cynthia underway at Franklin’s Gardens at 9am this Sunday, 26th September. About Chris Heaton-Harris: Before entering politics, Chris Heaton-Harris joined and eventually ran his family’s business – a wholesale fruit and vegetable company based in New Covent Garden Market for eleven years (working nights all that time!)
He started his national political career by standing in the 1997 General Election in Leicester South. He also stood there, unsuccessfully again, in the 2004 by-election caused by the untimely death of Jim Marshall MP.
Chris was Conservative MEP for the East Midlands Region of the UK from June 1999 – June 2009. He held various positions in the European Parliament including that of Chief Whip of the British Conservatives from 2001-2004. In the 2009 European Elections, he was named by the “Taxpayers’ Alliance” as being the MEP on mainland UK that was the most “hard-working, committed to transparency and accountability”
He became Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Daventry back in June 2006 and was elected MP for the new constituency (previously joined with South Northamptonshire) in May 2010 with a majority of almost 20,000.
Outside Westminster, Chris is an active and qualified football referee and has been officiating the game at different levels for nearly 30 years. He currently referees on the Northamptonshire Combination League most Saturday afternoons. He is also President of Earls Barton Football Club. Chris lives in Pitsford with his wife and two children.
Abington man Pete Collins needed no second invitation when it came to taking part in this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia.
The event, which is one of the biggest fundraisers in the calendar for The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the county’s branch of Macmillan Cancer Support, has donated more than £100,000 to the two causes since it began six years ago.
Sadly Pete’s wife Allyson is one of thousands to have to call upon the charities for she was first diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and three years ago was told it had spread to her bones and is incurable. Until recently Allyson attended weekly sessions at the hospice’s day care centre and continues to have the support of a Macmillan Nurse. Back in June, Pete and Allyson held a blessing service at the hospice to celebrate their relationship and mark 21 years of marriage.
Says Pete “Allyson had to retire from work three years ago because of her health and going to the sessions and meeting up with those affected by cancer and who can appreciate what she’s going through is a real support at what is of course a horribly difficult time for her and for all of the family. The care that that hospice staff have shown and the practical and emotional support offered by her Macmillan Nurse, Sharon, are immeasurable and if pedalling a few miles can keep that kind of service going, then that’s the very least I can do to say thank you for all that they do.”
Now, thanks to support from his colleagues at Towergate Risk Solutions in Northampton, and fellow members of the local branch of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Pete hopes to have a team of fifty cyclists taking part this year. “I cycle around 40 miles each week” he added “but I’d never heard of Cycle 4 Cynthia before and it seemed like the perfect way to help raise as much money as we can. Even my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are coming up from Portsmouth to join in so I’m sure it will be an incredibly emotional but very rewarding day.”
Cycle4Cynthia 2010 will, for the third year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the club’s home ground, Franklin’s Gardens. Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families and entry forms and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk More details are also available by calling 01604 678088.
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, commented, “Pete and Allyson’s recent marriage blessing was a really wonderful event and it’s moments like that the few people realise we can offer here. To maintain that level of exceptional service we have to raise £650,000 a year through fundraising activities and charitable donations and that’s why events like Cycle 4 Cynthia are so vital to us. I would urge anyone of any age to come and join us for what is always a wonderfully inspiring day!”
Meanwhile Marcus Cox, who is Macmillan Cancer Support s new fundraising manager for Northamptonshire added “The charity has an annual target of £518,000 for the county alone and the event is such a key fundraiser for us. I hope that this selfless story will inspire many others to get out their bicycles and help us to continue to offer the kind of support we’ve been able to give to the Collins family and many others like them.”
To find out more about the event, or to download entry and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
If you would like to enter a corporate team, or to discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
C4C 2010 – Inspired by the Tour de France? Why not try the Tour de Northamptonshire??
The professionals may have hung up their lycra and bicycle clips for another year but if the Tour de France has got you thinking of pedalling, there’s no need to wait that long – why not join the Tour de Northamptonshire?!
Yes, Cycle 4 Cynthia 2010 is set for Sunday 26th September and with just two months to go, now’s the perfect time to reach for those two wheels and sign up to take part in the county’s biggest cycling extravaganza!
Ok, so there’s no head-butting, no last minute sprints and no yellow jerseys but instead the promise of a fun day out and the joy of knowing that you’re supporting two of the county’s greatest charities – the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the county branch of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Six years since the first ride and more than 100,000 pounds later, the organisers are hoping that this year will be the event’s ‘magnificent seventh’ and raise a record-breaking £50,000!
Said C4C’s chairman, John Pinkham “You’ve heard of the ‘Wimbledon effect’ – when everyone digs out their racquets from cupboards and the county’s tennis courts overflow with budding Nadals? We’ll we’re hoping that the Tour de France has a similar effect and everyone leaps into their saddles. We had nearly 700 riders take part last year and we hope that, with the county’s wonderful support again, we can encourage up to 1000 to enter this year to help these two fantastic charities.”
Cycle4Cynthia 2010 will, for the third year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the club’s home ground, Franklin’s Gardens. Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families and entry forms and sponsorship forms are available by visiting www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk More details are also available by calling 01604 678088.
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, commented, “With two months to go before this year’s event, the excitement is really building now. We have to raise £650,000 a year through fundraising activities and charitable donations to maintain our exceptional quality of care and I know that, with Northamptonshire’s support, we will achieve it. I would urge anyone of any age to come and join us for what is always a wonderfully inspiring day!”
Meanwhile Marcus Cox, who is Macmillan Cancer Support s new fundraising manager for Northamptonshire added “I want to say a massive thank you to all those who have already signed up. 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. I would encourage everyone to jump into their saddles and be part of this fabulous ride!”
To find out more about the event, or to download entry and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
If you would like to enter a corporate team, or to discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
C4C 2010 – Sywell firm makes plans for cycling success!
Who better to make the perfect preparations for a new fundraising adventure than Sywell firm SSR Planning. The company, which is one of the regions leading town planning and development consultancies, is shaping up to take part in this years Cycle4Cynthia for the very first time.
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.
Said Simon J Smith, SSR Plannings Managing Director “Weve taken part in other local charity events in the last few years and our staff have really enjoyed the team spirit that they instil. Were really pleased to be able to support and help contribute to worthy causes so this year we decided we just had to get involved with Cycle4Cynthia and do our bit to raise funds for two such valuable charities whilst getting fit at the same time!”
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.
The SSR Planning team will be cycling the 25 mile route, but one of its members, Guy Banham may tackle the 50 miles. That, he says will be an easy task, compared with his most recent ride/ / “Earlier this month I cycled from John OGroats to Lands End for Macmillan and while Im still a little saddle sore from that trip, I couldnt resist signing up for this wonderful event! Some of my colleagues havent been on bikes for decades so well be a pretty mixed bag of cyclists but that doesnt matter – its about having fun and raising as much money as we can!”
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, commented, “The countys businesses played such an important part in our record-breaking fundraising last year and its great to have new teams signing up already. To maintain our exceptional quality of care, we have to raise £650,000 a year through fundraising activities and charitable donations. I know that, with the support of more firms like SSR Planning, we will achieve it.”
Meanwhile Marcus Cox, who is Macmillan Cancer Support s new fundraising manager for Northamptonshire added “I want to say a massive thank you to SSR Planning for getting involved. 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. I would encourage other businesses to do the same and come and enjoy a great day out!”
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.
If you would like to enter a corporate team, or to discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
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
The family of a Kingsthorpe man, who died just last month, are hoping to honour his memory as they take part in this years Cycle4Cynthia.
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.
63 year old Bob Sanders was first diagnosed with cancer 16 months ago and sadly lost his battle for life after four weeks nursing at Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Now his family, who are taking part in the event for the 2nd year running, are going all out to make this years ride a wonderful celebration of his life – and hopefully raise a few smiles along the way!
Said son, Steven “Dad had completed the Cycle4Cynthia Challenge in the previous three years but in September 2009, the doctors advised him not to/ / hed developed bone cancer and they told him it could cause his hips to crumble…but he still cycled. It was as if he knew that he was going to need the hospice and wanted to do everything he could to support it while he still could.”
Last year, me, my sister, her husband, our cousin and a couple of mates dressed up as superheroes and we had a great day, raising over two thousand pounds on behalf of the Nationwide team. We also won the prize for the best fancy dress so we thought this year wed try to go one better and do the ride on comedy bikes – maybe even quadricycles, which are the four-wheeled bikes. Dad had a great sense of humour and he loved the idea when we told him what our intentions for this years Cycle4Cynthia were!”
“The thing is, we dont know where we can get one so if anyone has a quadricycle we could borrow, or knows where to get hold of them, wed love to hear from them. We really cant say a big enough thank you to the staff at Cynthia Spencer who nursed Dad and supported us as a family so fantastically at the end, but doing the ride to remember him and raising money seems the best way to show our appreciation for their amazing work.”
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, commented “Losing Bob, as with any patient, was terribly sad and its amazing that his family are thinking of us, even at this very difficult time for them. To maintain our exceptional quality of care, we have to raise £650,000 a year through fundraising activities and charitable donations. We are very much looking forward to beating the amount raised last year and I know with the support of the Sanders family, local people and companies we will achieve it.”
Meanwhile Marcus Cox, who is Macmillan Cancer Support s new fundraising manager for Northamptonshire added “I havent been involved with the event before but its clear to see that people have developed a real passion for it over the years and Im delighted to be on board. 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 really are grateful to all those who take part.”
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.
If you know where the family can get hold of any quadricycles, please contact Steven on 07787 527890.
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.
If you would like to enter a corporate team, or to discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
Cycle4Cynthia bids to make this year’s event the magnificent seventh!
The organisers of Northamptonshires most exciting annual charity bike ride – Cycle4Cynthia - are hoping that riders from across the county will come out in force to help make this year its magnificent seventh!
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.
Last years event, which was opened by singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, raised a record-breaking £40,000 for the two charities, but the organisers are determined to step up the fundraising a gear to reach their £50,000 target and attract a record 1,000 cyclists.
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “Every year we hope that the event will be better than it has been before and that was certainly true of the fabulous day we had last year! The turnout was fantastic and we really want to say a big thank you to all those who took part.”
“But if were going build on that in 2010 were going to need more support than ever – both in terms of the number of people entering and the sponsorship cyclists raise. So why not grab some friends, sign up and have a great day out!”
That sentiment was confirmed by Fiona Hunt who led the contingent from Brackmills-based British Pepper and Spice – one of nineteen corporate teams which took part. “It was a wonderful event!” she said. “From hearing Curtis inspiring words as we set off, to the beautiful ride round the Northamptonshire countryside, to the joy of knowing we were raising money for two great causes, the team just couldnt stop talking about it for days afterwards! As a result, weve already recruited loads more cyclists to join the team this year and Id encourage everyone to take part!”
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.
Lisa Donald, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said “Im so proud to have been a part of another really great Cycle4Cynthia. Its become a real fixture in Northamptonshires fundraising calendar and, with the help of Macmillans supporters, I know this year will be even better!”
“Macmillan has a target of £484,000 to raise for this county alone and the event is a key fundraiser for us. We would urge anyone of any age to register and raise sponsorship for this extremely important event for the charity which helps us keep the services we provide to the community up and running.”
Sue Bownass, from the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added “We had some fantastic feedback from last years ride with so many people saying it was the best year yet. So dont miss this great opportunity to have fun, get healthy and raise lots of funds for cancer support in your local community. With your help, we can continue to offer five star treatment to all our patients at the hospice.”
For details and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
Businesses interested in signing up can also download forms from www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk To discuss your business requirements in more detail, please email annamurby@hotmail.com
Curtis Stigers unveiled as celebrity cyclist at Cycle4Cynthia 2009
American jazz vocalist and saxophonist Curtis Stigers has been unveiled as the celebrity cyclist for this year’s Cycle4Cynthia – it has been announced today (Sep 10).
The singer, who has performed with artists including Elton John, Rod Stewart and Prince and sang with journalist Penny Smith in the BBC TV programme Just The Two of Us in 2006, will be at the start line on September 27th to officially start the county’s sixth Cycle4Cynthia fundraiser.
John Pinkham, Cycle4Cynthia Chairman, said: “We are so delighted to have singing sensation Curtis Stigers at our event. Not only will he officially start the event at Franklin’s Gardens, but he will also mingle with cyclists and generate a real buzz and sense of celebration on the day. This is such a coup for Cycle4Cynthia and something for the whole county to celebrate.”
With entries flooding in Cycle4Cynthia 2009 is already on target to be the biggest and best yet. Once again it is raising money for two charities which provide care and support for people with cancer and cancer related illness in Northamptonshire - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
At the heart of this year’s event is a drive to increase the amount of sponsorship raised, and the organisers are also challenging cyclists to get in the mood and don fancy dress costumes. Since its launch Cycle4Cynthia has raised over £100,000 for the cancer care in the county and this year’s event target is to exceed the £34,000 raised last year.
Cycle4Cynthia 2009 will, for the second year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the home of the Saints rugby team, Franklin’s Gardens. The first group of cyclists will leave at 9am.
For application and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
With prizes for the best fancy dress and most sponsorship raised up for grabs the training and preparation for Cycle4Cynthia 2009 has already begun.
Cycle4Cynthia, now in its sixth year and scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, is once again raising money for two charities which provide care and support for people with cancer and cancer related illness in Northamptonshire - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
At the heart of this year’s event is a drive to increase the amount of sponsorship raised, and the organisers are also challenging cyclists to get in the mood and don fancy dress costumes.
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “This year we are focusing on raising as money as possible and sponsorship will be at the heart of our success. Last year we raised £34,000 for the two charities but we are determined to step the fundraising up a gear and raise at least £40,000 in 2009. We can only do this if all our cyclists get sponsored. Just imagine how well we would all do if everyone raised £100!”
Sue Bownass, from The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added: “We had some fantastic fancy dress costumes last year which made for a very colourful start line, and lots of the people who have entered this year’s are already planning their outfits – and anything goes!”
Cycle4Cynthia 2009 will, for the second year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the home of the Saints rugby team, Franklin’s Gardens. The first group of cyclists will leave at 9am.
For application and sponsorship forms, log on to www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk or contact Sue Bownass on 01604 678088.
The challenge is on as businesses sign up for Cycle4Cynthia
The corporate gauntlet has been laid down – with Grant Thornton challenging other local busineses to sign up for Cycle4Cynthia and raise much needed funds along the way.
Chartered accountancy firm Grant Thornton won the top prize for their fancy dress costumes at last year’s Cycle4Cynthia and also raised an impressive £2,000. Their CAT team (Central Administration Team) climbed on board tandems and dressed up as cats for the fundraising event and the firm is looking forward to making another dramatic entry this year.
More than 25 Grant Thornton staff will be taking part – with representatives in all three routes.
Senior Partner Steve Robinson said: “Our staff are once again planning to support Cynthia Spencer in force with volunteers from both our Kettering and Northampton offices keen to cycle to raise money for two very worthy local charities.
“We have a lot to live up to and despite the challenging economic times we hope to beat last years £2,000. Along the way we hope to get a little fitter and possibly lighter, to make up for sitting at our desks all day.”
Cycle4Cynthia, now in its sixth year and scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, is once again raising money for two charities which provide care and support for people with cancer and cancer related illness in Northamptonshire - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Other companies already enlisted for the September event include Royal Mail, Stanair, The University of Northampton and British Pepper and Spice.
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “This year we are focusing on raising as money as possible and sponsorship will be at the heart of our success. Last year we raised £34,000 for the two charities but we are determined to step the fundraising up a gear and raise at least £40,000 in 2009. We can only do this if all our cyclists get sponsored. Just imagine how well we would all do if everyone raised £100!”
Cycle4Cynthia 2009 will, for the second year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the home of the Saints rugby team, Franklin’s Gardens.
Businesses interested in signing can download forms from www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk. Or, to discuss your business requirements and press opportunities in more details please email annamurby@hotmail.com.
Businesses sign up for Cycle4Cynthia’s fundraising pedal power
Suits are being swapped for saddles this year as more businesses than ever before sign up for Cycle4Cynthia 2009.
Companies are being urged to help make this year’s fundraising cycle ride a record breaker and corporates which have already enlisted for the September event include Grant Thornton, Royal Mail, Stanair, The University of Northampton and British Pepper and Spice.
Ian James, Chief Executive of British Pepper and Spice, is one of those leading the way by dusting off the cobwebs from his bike.
“I will be doing all I can to encourage my colleagues to take up the challenge so that we can help raise as much money as possible for these two fantastic causes,” he said. “The company will also double any sponsorship raised by our team so there’s a big incentive to get pedalling - and to donate.”
John Pinkham, Chairman of Cycle4Cynthia, said: “A huge thank you to all the businesses that have already signed up. With more than 10 companies already showing a commitment to take part, we are well on track to raise more money than ever before.
“Corporate support is vital to us if we’re going to meet this year’s target, yet we know that a lot of businesses are finding times tough at the moment. We’re not asking firms to give money but we hope that, by encouraging as many staff members as possible to sign up, team spirit will help raise many more thousands of pounds.”
Cycle4Cynthia, now in its sixth year and scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, raises money for two charities which provide care and support for people with cancer and cancer related illness in Northamptonshire - The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support -.
Last year’s event raised £34,000 for the two charities but this year organisers are determined to step the fundraising up a gear in the hope of raising at least £40,000 and attracting a record 1,000 cyclists.
Cycle4Cynthia 2009 will, for the second year running, link up with the Saints and the event’s three routes - five, 25 and 50 miles in length – will start and finish at the home of the Saints rugby team, Franklin’s Gardens.
Businesses interested in signing can download forms from www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk. Or, to discuss your business requirements and press opportunities in more details please email annamurby@hotmail.com.
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Double Olympic medal-winning cyclist Becky James will show her continuing support for Northampton’s Cynthia Spencer Hospice by setting off the riders at the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle4Cynthia, next month!
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has done it again – bringing together budding Boardmans and sociable cyclists in a triumphant day of two-wheeling! 
Northampton Saints stars have yet again shown their support for the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride by helping in the search to select the design of the event’s new bespoke cycle shirt!
As the passion for pedalling hits fever pitch this month with the return to the county of the highly successful Women’s Tour, one lady rider is delighted to be back in the saddle thanks to support of a local bike shop!
Northamptonshire’s pedallers have done it again, setting another record fundraising total after taking part in the county’s favourite annual charity bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia!
Cyclists from across Northamptonshire and beyond are once again being encouraged to leap into the saddle to show their support for the county’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia 2015, on its twelfth anniversary!
Last season he helped the Saints to double cup glory from the back row of the scrum but this Sunday, Sam Dickinson will be leading from the front as he gets the riders underway at this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia! 
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual charity bike ride will be without one of its most famous cyclists this year as Saints coach Jim Mallinder switches his lycra and pedals for line-outs and penalties!
They may be considered a horticultural horror by many gardeners, and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but gnomes are likely to be out in force at Lamport Hall next month for this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia!
One of Northamptonshire’s most iconic food firms is among those companies lending their support to the county’s favourite annual cycle ride – and is doing so both in pedalling and in pounds!
A former professional footballer from the county will be diving into his underwear drawer in search of a special pair of pants this September as he leaps into the saddle to support Northamptonshire’s favourite annual cycle ride!
One of the world’s top cyclists is urging businesses from across the county to leap into their saddles in support of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride! 
The team behind Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride is delighted to announce that this year’s event will also be helping some of the county’s most vulnerable youngsters.
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual fundraising bike ride has been launched for its eleventh year with the exciting news that it is on the move! 
Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride has received a right royal blessing from none other than His Royal Highness, Prince Harry!
Members of one of Northamptonshire’s more unusual cycling clubs are gearing up to take part in the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia, later this year, but there’s not a thread of lycra in sight!
Northamptonshire’s favourite fundraising bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia, has done it again, with a total of almost 1100 riders taking part in the annual event at Althorp on Sunday (23rd September), making it another record-breaker!
Northamptonshire businesses are being invited to be guests of honour at a free drinks reception at Althorp, courtesy of an impromptu gesture by The Earl Spencer at the 2012 launch of the county’s favourite annual bike ride, Cycle 4 Cynthia.
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.
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!
Organisers of the countys biggest annual bike ride are celebrating a record turnout, making this years event – the seventh in its history - its best yet! 
Cycle4Cynthia – the county’s annual bike extravaganza – will have the might of Westminster behind it this Sunday as Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris fires the starting gun to send riders on their way! 
Abington man Pete Collins needed no second invitation when it came to taking part in this year’s Cycle 4 Cynthia. 
The professionals may have hung up their lycra and bicycle clips for another year but if the Tour de France has got you thinking of pedalling, there’s no need to wait that long – why not join the Tour de Northamptonshire?! 
Who better to make the perfect preparations for a new fundraising adventure than Sywell firm SSR Planning. The company, which is one of the regions leading town planning and development consultancies, is shaping up to take part in this years Cycle4Cynthia for the very first time. 
The family of a Kingsthorpe man, who died just last month, are hoping to honour his memory as they take part in this years Cycle4Cynthia.