300 fundraisers enjoy massive welcome home!
The gate of over 21,000 welcomed the 300 Pink Link Pedal for Pounds 4 cyclists and support team home in fantastic style ahead of Saturday’s big home clash against Barnsley.
The cyclists completed 240 miles in a fundraising tour of the county to raise money for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign, which splits donations between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy.
Over the four days of cycling, the group took in overnight stays in Hull, Scarborough and Harrogate – having set off from Town’s Canalside Sports Complex on Wednesday morning.
The final 35 miles saw the cyclists end with a well-deserved lap of honour around the pitch ahead of the 12.45pm kick-off, during which they were given a standing ovation by both Town and Barnsley supporters.
54 year-old Derek Highe of Mirfield commented:
“To be part of an event like this is such a good thing for football fans. Cycling into the Stadium for the lap of honour – it can’t be better than that. To have the Stadium nearly full and have the away fans applauding as well was such a high. That was worth the blood, sweat and tears on its own. I’d sign up again for next year tomorrow!”
Juliette Dennett, another cyclist from Mirfield, added:
“It was really good. It was a tough final day because everyone was tired but it was quite euphoric in the end when everyone was arriving back at Canalside. There was fantastic spirit.”
Town Chairman Dean Hoyle – who was one of the 300 that completed the ride – thanked the participants for all their efforts.
“It’s wonderful how the event has grown since we first started – to have 297 riders on Pedal for Pounds 4 has been great.
“We’re hoping to have raised over £1 million for ‘Keep It Up’ now, which is fantastic.
“It’s not just the people who do the ride – it’s everyone who helps on the course and also fantastic credit to everyone in the community who digs into their pockets.”
Click HERE for a full gallery of pictures from the ride on Town’s official Facebook page!
You can still donate to the ride – visit www.justgiving.com/keepitupcampaign!
