Cornish Pirates

North 2 South Cycle
June 2010

Back in March a match day collection was held at the 'Rec' in support of a Veterans 'North 2 South' Charity Cycle ride to take place between the 15th and 23rd May.

The team have now completed the 900 mile journey from Dunnet Head (the most northerly point in mainland Britain) to Lizard Point (the most southerly), and have so far raised the sum of £32,000 to help support the Lizard Lifeboat, Cancer Funding for Cornwall, and Mullion Gymnastic Centre.

The cycle team comprised Paul Strike, Bruce Jane, Andrew Hearn, James Hale, Adrian Punter and Charlie Hunt, with Cornish Pirates team manager Jan Rendall as driver and provider of medical support.

Due to Jan's Pirates commitments, perticularly concerning the team's British & Irish Cup final against Munster, he was only able to join the riders after their journey was underway. However, he still played his part, as he had in helping the riders prepare for the event.

Jan joined his colleagues in Carlisle on day four of the mammoth journey, and was kept busy from then on with rubs, strapping and stretching the cyclists. Whilst in a lay-by in Liverpool waiting for the cyclists to break for their hourly water stop, Jan filmed the arrival of the bikers, which can now be seen on You Tube and Facebook.

Jan's first-aid knowledge proved beneficial when one of the cyclists, Andrew Hearn, was thrown from his bike, landing on his head and shoulder. Using his First Aid knowledge, Jan was able to treat Andrew’s injuries and after an X-ray at the local hospital drove Andrew back down to Cornwall.

Rejoining the team at Bristol the following day, Jan could not have timed his return any better, after the support vehicle (the one Ewan McGregor uses when traveling around the world) broke down with a burnt out clutch.

The trailer was attached to Jan's Land Rover, and the equipment in the disabled vehicle transferred across.

Following the successful completion of their journey, Jan said:

“The team was overwhelmed with the crowd of over 1500 that gathered at the Lizard to cheer them across the finishing line.

For me it was a week to remember, having been part of two highly successful events.”

North 2 South Cycle Website