The Numbnuts are a team of local cyclists who, for the last five years, have competed in a number of challenges to raise money for charities close to their heart. They were formed in 2014 after founder Justin lost 7 stone in four months and found cycling as a way to keep the weight off. Together with friends he wanted to continue the sport and make a positive impact by raising money for charity.
Their latest challenge saw the team set off to a crowd of cheers on Thursday 23rd June from cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. Over the following nine days they travelled over 1100 miles battling heat, sore legs, numerous hills, and even wild horses.
Their route took them through England, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark before reaching the finishing line in Stockholm Sweden on Friday 1st July.
"It was a pleasure to road captain the team over nine days of amazing riding - at no point did anyone waiver in their commitment to the cause. The shared delight at reaching our destination in Stockholm, was all the more special to have achieved this as a team and to raise funds for such an amazing cause".
Adam, Numnuts Ride Captain
In total the bike ride has raised over £60,000 which is split evenly between Northampton Saints Foundation and Northamptonshire Health Charity. The money raised from the cycle challenge will benefit the Foundation’s young people who access their Education and Social Inclusion programmes, their families and the wider community. With demand for the Foundation’s programmes growing rapidly support through fundraising challenges is vital to ensure we continue long into the future as every young person deserves to have an opportunity to grow and thrive, regardless of who they are or where they live.
“It was fantastic to follow the team's journey on social media throughout the challenge” added Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation. “We embed the five values of rugby (teamwork, respect, enjoyment, sportsmanship and discipline) throughout everything we do at the Foundation and the Numbnuts team have put these at their forefront of to complete this incredible mental and physical challenge. We'd like to say thank you to all the members of the Numbnuts and everyone who has donated”.
Northampton Saints Foundation would like to thank all members of Numbnuts and everyone who donated, we look forward to their future fundraising events.
Find out more about Numbnuts here.
