Northampton hospice supporters from as far away as China get involved with virtual Cycle4Cynthia

Cynthia Spencer Hospice supporters as far away as China have been getting on their bikes to get involved with its annual fundraising cycle ride.

Coronavirus has forced Cycle4Cynthia to go virtual for 2020, allowing people all over the globe to raise money for the Northampton hospice by cycling anytime this month.

Regular participant Andy James, who now lives in Shanghai, snatched at the opportunity to ride around some of the city's famous landmarks with his four-year-old twins, Oliver and Finlay.

“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," he said.

"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.”

Cycle4Cynthia cyclists are encouraged to pay their entry fee, collect sponsors, pedal their own distance and post photos online anytime during September as the event at Lamport Hall, organised for September 20, was cancelled because of Covid-19.

London-based Rickard Barbet, who grew up in south Northamptonshire, took the chance to demonstrate his support choosing one of the country’s most iconic cycling routes for his 50 miles.

He added: “I’m lucky enough to live close to the 2012 Olympic road race circuit, so when they declared that the ride wasn’t happening as it normally would, I thought it would make a perfect alternative for my virtual Cycle4Cynthia this year."

“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."

Michael Leszczyszyn, from Northampton, was one of hundreds of more 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," he said.

“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!”

Hospice fundraising manager, John Helm, said he and his team are already planning for something special in 2021.

“Next year marks not only Cycle4Cynthia's 18th 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,” he said.

“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.”

Cycle4Cynthia has raised more than £600,000 for the hospice over the last 16 years and more recently has helped to fund its 'wellbeing' service, which aims to help those with a life-limiting illness to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

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 Cycle4Cynthia medal on its social media platforms - @cycle4cynthia – in the hope of creating a celebratory online gallery.

To register for the ride before the end of September, click here.