Corby cyclists taking to the saddle for sponsored seaside clubhouse fundraiser

A trio of Corby rugby club stalwarts are taking to their bikes to raise money to complete their newly refurbished clubhouse, pedalling all the way to Cromer in Norfolk.

The three men are taking on the 112-mile (180 km) challenge to improve facilities at Stewarts and Lloyds Rugby Football Club (S&L)

Tom Manson, S & L RFC's safeguarding officer, who has been in training since March, will be joined by ex-players Andy Canning and 78-year-old Ken Beattie.

Mr Manson said: "I'm looking forward to it. This will be the longest ride I have done but training has gone well and Andy has been coaching me and supporting me.

"In the last 18 months our sponsors, the committee and members have done an amazing job to modernise our social area.

"I want to contribute to further improvements and provide easier access to the less mobile members of our local community.

“I’m really looking forward to attacking this head on and hope that this is the first of many initiatives to help us raise the £30,000 we need.”

At 7am, supported by Tom and Andy's wives who are both called Zoe who will be driving the route, they will leave the club in Occupation Road and head to the east coast finishing in front of Cromer Pier at about 4pm later that day.

Andy Canning, a National League referee, is no stranger to long distances having biked across Canada.

He said: “Tom has been doing really well in training and taking the challenge in his stride as we increase our mileage week on week."

Money raised will be put towards improving the disabled facilities in the club house that will include a lift.

Tom, who played football for Kettering, Corby and Rothwell Town got involved in the club through his brother Kev, and all nephews play at the club.

Club chairman Adrian Mitchell said: "Tom has been a club member for many years but took on the role of safeguarding officer to volunteer his time for the last two seasons.

"He has done fantastic work behind the scenes to keep our club safe for all of our members, that is no easy task, especially in today's climate.

"He is now taking on the incredible cycling challenge in order to give back to the club again.”

Keen cyclist Ken made a last-minute decision to join the ride and after spending the night in Cromer will be cycling back the next day.

Tom added: "That's got to be worth an extra donation."

Click here to donate to Tom’s Just Giving Page or email [email protected].

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