University lecturer leads second ‘Ride for Hope’ challenge

A senior lecturer from the University of Northampton will be leading the second charity bike ride from Northampton to Ypres in Belgium on behalf of the Hope Centre homelessness charity.

Adrian Pryce, who is also the Chair of the Hope Centre, will be taking on his Chairman’s Challenge ‘Ride for Hope’ with the support of over 20 other riders and will cover around 270 miles in four days. Adrian will be joined by two other University of Northampton academics, Vicki Gibson and Tony Fitzgerald,  and former student Chris Hindle.

The group will be leaving from the University of Northampton’s Park Campus at 10am on Thursday 3 September, with the Lord Lieutenant David Laing and David Mackintosh MP, in attendance. The group will cycle to Harwich via Cambridge then down through Holland and Belgium and arrive at Ypres on 6 September 2015.  To mark the end of their journey they will be welcomed by the Mayor of Ypres and then attend the famous Menin Gate Last Post ceremony, laying a wreath on behalf of Northampton and the Northants Armed Forces Covenant.

Robert Whittle, General Manager of the UK Pidy office who is the main sponsor of the event, will be accompanying Adrian in the support vehicle. He said: “We are pleased to be associated with the ride to Ypres, where Pidy’s head office and main factory is located, and are keen to help the Hope Centre build this into a successful annual fundraising event that attracts more and more riders each year – including a Pidy team lead by me!”

Adrian commented: “The Hope Centre is a well-known local charity that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and the work that we do is vital to maintain the social fabric of our community.  This cycle ride is my way of supporting our work and I am pleased that the event has grown in numbers from last year, helping us raise much needed funds to support our work for those on the margins of society.

“Pidy Gourmet has been superb in their support, helping us organise the event as well as raising a number of participants.  I must also thank Howdens Joinery in Brackmills and the University of Northampton for their sponsorship and support in helping to make this a truly local yet international fundraising event.”

The Hope Centre aims to help people who have fallen on hard times and need extensive support and encouragement to rebuild their lives. Over 100 people every day are cared for in the Hope Centre day centre at Northampton’s Oasis House. The Hope Centre relies on the support and generosity of the local community – individuals, schools, churches/faith groups, sports, social clubs and local businesses, to keep providing the range of services it offers to people in need – and whose number are growing.