Former skipper backing charity event
A former Cobblers captain 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-Northampton Town skipper 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. Now Ray, who revealed his unusual lucky charm in a local radio interview during the build up to the play-off final, 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 visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.