Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont is ready to get on his bike… to help raise £50,000 for Cancer Research.
The 50-year-old businessman, his wife Laura and club shirt sponsor Gary Molloy will be part of a 13-strong party who will pedal from Leigh Sports Village to St James’ Park in Newcastle ahead of Magic Weekend.
Leigh take on Hull KR on Sunday and will wear a special kit to help raise funds for and publicise Cancer Research.
Molloy’s Leisure Resorts company have given up their position on the rear of the shirt so the charity’s logo can feature, with each player adding the name of the person in whose memory they are wearing it.
The cycling group, who have a £50,000 fundraising target, will wear a special version of the shirt, showcasing businesses who are sponsoring Saturday’s 142-mile ride.
Beaumont, who lost his father to a rare blood cancer, explained: “It’s the longest individual ride for everyone in the group.
“Four of us completed the North Coast 500 in five days last October, which was a tough challenge.
“But this is an additional 42 miles in the same day to the 100 a day we did for that, and we have had to train very hard in preparation.”
Laura Beaumont will take part despite being knocked out and suffering concussion when she fell from her bike during a recent training ride.
Bottom side Leigh, who face leaders Catalans in France tonight (Monday), have signed St Helens fullback or winger Tom Nisbet on loan.
The Newton Storm product has played one first-team match for Saints, who beat the Centurions 42-12 on Thursday.
Leigh interim coach Kurt Haggerty said of the defeat: “I thought the scoreline was flattering for them. We were certainly competing for 60 minutes and I’m really proud of our players.
“The effort has been there every week and I can’t commend them enough. The situation at the bottom of the table, and whatever we have to deal with, the players have been fantastic.
“All I’ve done is step in to help out and get the lads playing. I think they have turned a corner with the effort they’re putting in.”
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