Two members of the Huddersfield Giants staff are hoping a little bit of Magic will help a local charity.
Andy Kelly and Steve Hardisty will tomorrow set off on a 120-mile cycle ride from Huddersfield to Newcastle in aid of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
Both men were to leave the John Smith’s Stadium and hope to arrive at St James’s Park on Saturday lunchtime – just in time for the Magic Weekend of six Super League games.
They hope their efforts will raise thousands for the hospice and that the weekend rounds off with a Giants win against Catalans Dragons on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re both working at the match on Sunday so I hope we win,” said Andy. “Otherwise we may both be walking home.”
The pair will be joined by four others for the ride.
They are Andy’s brother Neil, a former Widnes player; Featherstone coach Gary Price; businessman Ian Boyce; and Hopton Primary School head Andy Blakeley.
For Andy, who is head of youth development at the Giants, it’s part of a personal challenge. Ten years ago he had a kidney removed after battling renal cancer.
He set himself five challenges and they include this week’s bike ride and the Great North Run later this year.
Steve, who works as player performance manager for the Giants, is also aiming to complete a number of challenges which will include running the New York Marathon.
Andy said: “We’re off at 6.30am and hope to ride 60 miles on the first day, heading through Harrogate and Catterick to Bishop Auckland.
“That will leave us 30 miles for the second day and we hope to be at St James’s Park on Saturday lunchtime.
“It is for a really good case and no one who has visited Russell House in Huddersfield could fail to be moved by what the staff do for children and their families.”
The pair have already raised well over £1,300 for the hospice and expect to get many more donations.
To back Andy visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Kelly18
Alternatively you can text to 70070 to support either Andy or Steve. To donate £10 text RLAK64 £10 or HNYC50 £10.
