Ripon Rugby Club was proud to give the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge a huge Yorkshire welcome on Sunday, as the group of former international players arrived at the club at the end of the first day of their ride to Twickenham in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

With the sun shining, the club was packed with members, families and supporters, and there was a real buzz around the place as the cyclists arrived. Children in Ripon shirts were at the front of the crowd, cheering them in, and we even heard Martin Johnson say the riders couldn’t believe the reception they got as they turned into the car park, and apparently, they talked about it all evening over their dinner at the Ripon Inn. They said it was a perfect end to the day and we’d set a high bar for the rest of the clubs this week!

It turned into a brilliant afternoon for everyone involved. Families enjoyed a barbecue, the kids made the most of free bouncy castles from Tilly’s Tumbles. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses we held a big raffle which helped us raise nearly £3,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and its work funding research into motor neurone disease. We were also pleased to be hosting a Yorkshire Cancer Research fundraiser organised by Ronnie Cassells on the same day, which helped bring even more people down and added to the atmosphere.

After grabbing a quick drink, the riders spent plenty of time with people around the club, signing shirts, posing for photos and chatting with supporters. It meant a lot, inspiring the younger players, and created some great memories.

Chairman Andy Bruce said: “Sunday was a very special day for everyone connected with the club. To see so many people come together to support such a fantastic cause and give the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge such an incredible welcome made me immensely proud.

“The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was brilliant and it really showed what a great club we have here at Ripon. From the volunteers and sponsors to the players, members and wider community, everyone played their part. The riders were fantastic with the crowd and especially the children, and the fact we were able to raise nearly £3,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation makes the day even more memorable.

“Rugby clubs are at the heart of their communities and Sunday showed exactly what Ripon Rugby Club is all about.”

The riders set off again on Monday morning to continue their journey to Twickenham, and we were delighted to have played a small part in such a fantastic challenge.