Pedal power helped raise a record £55,000 at last year’s Cycle for Cynthia charity ride.
The impressive figure was revealed at the awards ceremony for the 2012 event, which was held at Franklin’s Gardens last night.
The ceremony was also the official launch for this year’s 10th anniversary event, which raises money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Organisers are hoping to top 2,000 participants at this year’s ride, which will take place in the grounds of Althorp on September 22.
DJ Jo Whiley and her family have already signed up to take part, as has Saints boss Jim Mallinder, who is aiming to get members of the playing squad involved.
Mr Mallinder rode the full 50-mile distance with his son Harry last year.
The award night also heard some inspirational stories about participants, including Jane McCarthy, aged 63, of Rothersthorpe, who took part in a previous race despite undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Team of the Year went to Briggs and Forrester, while the fancy dress award went to Peter Semler, who completed the event on his penny farthing.
The biggest individual sponsorship award went to Chris Locke, who raised £1,400, and the chairman’s award went to Keith Mason.
The last award goes to someone who ‘goes the extra mile’, and was awarded to the 76-year-old from the A5 Rangers cycling club in Towcester.
John Pinkham, chairman of Cycle 4 Cynthia, said: “It is such a wonderful thing to bring people together to raise money for local charities.
“It’s the 10th year this year, and we’re hoping to get some very good surprise celebrities. Congratulations to the prize winners - please look after us again for another year.”
Mr Mallinder said: “I think Saints, being one of the professional sports clubs in the area, need to support local charities.
“Cycle 4 Cynthia is a fantastic way we can do that and I would like to think I can persuade some of the players to take part this year, and raise money for two important charities.”
For more information on this year’s event visit the Cycle 4 Cynthia website.
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