SHE may have retired from an impressive sporting career in the summer 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 1,115 riders taking part in the event held in September at Lamport Hall 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 five, 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 this amazing day.
“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.”
That was a sentiment echoed by Northamptonshire’s business community as a plethora of companies leapt into their saddles to join in the fun.
Briggs & Forrester, Haddonstone, Nationwide, Hewitsons and EMW Law were among those out in force, while the pink T-shirts worn by the 36-strong team from Piroto Labelling clearly showed why they were pedalling, featuring as it did a photo of a former member of staff.
“Laura Silk was our much-loved colleague who actually rode in last year’s Cycle4Cynthia but who passed away at the hospice earlier this year,” explained team captain Amy Douglass. “So today has been incredibly moving, not least because Laura’s daughters, Angela and Daniella have ridden.
“We really wanted to show our continuing support for this amazing charity and, thanks to the generosity of the company, which is doubling the money we’ve raised through sponsorship, we hope to be handing over a cheque for around £3,000 to help them carry on their incredible care of patients and their families.”
Other firms showing their equally vital support for the event were shirt sponsors Untied Utilities and Bluestep Solutions and those who sponsored and manned the en-route pit stops, including iPSL, Travis Perkins and Morae Life, while staff from Chelton Brown demonstrated their usual commitment to the cause by not only sponsoring the medal but also presenting all 1,115 of them to the joyful finishers.
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, our sponsors and of course to the cyclists themselves who, alongside Becky, have made this another Cycle4Cynthia to remember.”
Photos from the event are on the ride’s Facebook page and on the gallery page of its website – www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk – while you can also show your continuing support by purchasing a C4C cycling jersey, priced at £25, from the Hospice’s ebay page – www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/232432899749
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.
Meanwhile, to pledge your business sponsorship or involvement in next year’s ride, contact the Hospice on 01604 210941.