Logicool support cycle ride raising funds for inspirational Matt

Release date 5 July 2013:

Three intrepid cyclists have just completed a 700 mile journey around all 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby grounds, in a ‘Cycle4Matt’ campaign to raise funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation and Ashby RFU.

The trio have been supported by Logicool Air Conditioning Distribution Ltd, a technically-biased and customer-focused Value Added Reseller of Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning and heating products.

Logicool founder, Karl Richardson’s son Eddie, plays for Ashby RFU’s under-13 team and when the team was challenged to match the fundraising activities of the previous year’s squad, Karl and another parent, Chris Ratcliffe agreed to investigate options. Team Coach, Neil Robson and fellow parent, Terry Huxley agreed to join Chris on the cycle ride, with Karl happy to lend Logicool support.

“I wasn’t able to commit the time to go on the ride myself, but I did take part with over 30 riders, in a Cycle4Matt open day along the second leg of their journey,” explained Karl, who lent Logicool support and organised the fundraising and logistics. Logicool staff also volunteered as wardens on the open day.

The tour began at the home of Sale Sharks and ended 10 days later at Twickenham on the final day of the Premiership.  The money raised will be split equally between the rugby club’s under 15’s 2015 Big Tour and the Matt Hampson Foundation – a charity set up to provide help, advice and financial support to young people seriously injured through sport.

Matt Hampson is now known all over the country as the inspirational figure who has given hope to people going through a rough period in their lives, the guy who got injured but wouldn’t take it lying down.

Just under three years ago, Matt was an emerging talent in the world of rugby – about to be announced in the England U21 squad, until a scrum collapsed on him and he suffered a dislocation in his neck, which left him paralyzed from the neck down – yet more determined than ever from the neck up.

“Matt’s spirit and bravery has earned him huge recognition and pulled together the rugby world and I was delighted that we have been able to support that in some small way,” added Karl.

Although the cycle ride is over, the fundraising still goes on and anyone wishing to donate can visit the special website www.justgiving.com/cycle4matt2013, or www.justgiving.com/Karl-Richardson1.

Further details on the Foundation are available at www.matthampson.co.uk.

Ends

Picture caption:

Logicool cycle4matt2013_2 CAPTION: L to r: Eddie Richardson, Chris Ratcliffe, George Chuter of the Leicester Tigers, Neil Robson, and Terry Huxley.

Note to editor:

Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric is a global, market leading, environmental technologies manufacturer, producing an advanced range of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. The company realises that ensuring the right solutions are selected for each individual building, requires collaboration by all involved. Mitsubishi Electric has therefore changed the way it does business to ensure engagement with all involved in delivering sustainable buildings so that together, we can make a world of difference.

For further editorial information please contact:

Russell Jones                                       Email: russell.jones@meuk.mee.com
PR & Communications Manager             Telephone: 01707 278772

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