A GROUP of 23 fundraisers from Winnington Park Rugby Club completed a gruelling two-day 200 mile bike ride last week to help raise £10,000 for an extension.

The cyclists, who were mainly made up of parents and coaches of the club’s under eights team cycled from London to Paris between Thursday May 14 and Saturday May 16.

On top of the highly demanding ride, four of the group made the trip from Northwich to the starting point on London’s iconic mall, also on a bike, adding another two days and 200 miles on to their challenge.

Gareth Entwistle, Head of Digital for M&S bank, was one of the fathers who set off from Northwich to raise funds and awareness for the club.

He said: “The club has so much support and momentum at the moment.. it’s great! There is going to be a big extension so a lot of people are trying to get on board to contribute.

“Everybody who joined in the ride put so much effort into the training. And there were also support drivers and other members who really helped us along the way.

“It was a fantastic experience. I completed the challenge last year and I really wanted to do it again but this time for Winnington Park.

The bike ride was part of a series of fundraising events put together by the club to generate money for vital changes to the club’s amenities.

Some of the cash collected from the ride will go towards female changing rooms, and improved disabled facilities.

The club has received sponsorship from local companies such as Peckforton Castle, Bennett Brooks, Butterworth Spengler and C&O Wines as well as corporate sponsorship from Land Rover, Santander and numerous individuals. 

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors for the support that they have given us, especially Peckforton Castle who have donated their money and their time, with owners Chris and Kate Naylor taking part in the ride.”

“It was such good fun. I wish I had a numb bum by the second day so that I couldn’t feel the pain, but by the time everyone else joined us on day three, the adrenaline surge was so great it just saw us through.”

“I would love to do it again next year.”