On Sunday 9 June 2019, over 50 hardy cyclists set out on the roads of North London and Hertfordshire for the second Saracens Cycle for Change.

Unlike last year, the cyclists were greeted by clear skies and bright sunshine and left Allianz Park in good spirits and ready to take on the challenge ahead.

Cyclists had the option of doing a 40 or 80 mile cycle and in the often hot conditions on a hilly route it needed all of their determination and effort to make their way back to Allianz Park.

The feed stations along the way at Bright Star Pub, White Star Pub and Essendon Country Club were very well received by all the cyclists and provided much needed refreshments during the tough cycle.

Thankfully the vast majority made it back to Allianz Park in good spirits and were able to enjoy a bite to eat and nice cold drink!

It wasn’t just in the roads around Allianz Park that our cyclists were out on their bikes for Cycle for Change.

The people of Majorca would have been treated to sight of long-time Foundation supporter Jon Symonds flying around the roads of the Balearic Island as he hit 80 miles in the Mediterranean sun.

The final totals are still being counted up but all of the money raised from the event will go towards funding our programmes in North London and Hertfordshire to change lives and inspire communities through the power of sport.

These funds will help programmes such as Sarries RFC which is our disABILITY rugby club for young people aged 14 to 24 with high functioning disabilities. Sarrie’s RFC provides a regular opportunity for physical exercise whilst also putting an emphasis on developing the member’s social skills and behaviour.

We’d like to offer a huge thanks to Harrogate Water, Optimum Nutrition, Gatorade and Phizz for their support including providing much needed nutritional support for our cyclists!

There’s still time to donate: http://bit.ly/2JVePmR

Want to support our next event? Join us at Essendon Country Club for our Annual Golf Day:

https://www.saracenssportfoundation.org/our-annual-charity-golf-day-is-back2/ 

Our three London Marathon runners raised an amazing £9500 for the Saracens Sport Foundation

Beth Lawless, Lizzie Watts and Steve Cummins put in an incredible shift on the the roads of the capital to complete the 26.2 miles on Saturday 27 April.

Beth (picture below) finished in a terrific time of 3:41:15!

Lizzie, who finished her 26.2 miles at 04:47:34, said:

“It was a fantastic experience that I’d recommend to anyone who is contemplating it. It was great to see so many people supporting and cheering everyone on all along the course.

“I was overwhelmed by all of the strangers who shouted ‘GO LIZZIE!’ It was such a long way to run and by mile 22 I’d definitely had enough but somehow managed to keep going. Seeing my family and friends in the last couple of miles really pushed me on to the finish and I’m very thankful to all of them.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Foundation for giving me the chance to run for them. In return I am absolutely amazed and pleased that I have raised over £4000 for them! We held a quiz night back in March to raise money which was a great success. Also my family and friends have all been incredibly generous with their donations and I’m very thankful to all of them.

“I’m quite sad it’s all over to be honest! Thanks again to the Saracens Sports Foundation, I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Steve, who finished in a time of 05:25:53, said:

“What an amazing experience! To see the love and support from the crowds cheering you on every step of the way was quite humbling. Almost every vest and t shirt was for a charity and to see and hear peoples stories restored my faith in humanity.

“It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but crossing the line and seeing the total raised had increased again made it all worth while!”

To run for the Foundation in next year’s Marathon, head over to the London Marathon website: https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/how-to-enter/ or contact Emma Wilson on emmawilson@saracens.net for further info

Don’t miss out on a number of great prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to New York in the Saracens Sport Foundation Raffle!

Saracens fans will have the opportunity to collect a raffle ticket through the online form below and on the day of the Saracens Men vs Exeter Chiefs match on Saturday 4th May at Allianz Park.

You will not only be in with a chance of coming away with a great prize, but also support the work of the Foundation.

There are only 4,000 raffle tickets available with 3,000 of those through the online raffle, which will close at 17H00 on Friday 3rd May.

Each ticket for the raffle will be £5 and all the money raised will go towards the Foundation.

Prizes include:

• Trip to New York for two people, with a stay in a 4-star hotel, flights included
• Framed Saracens Men 18/19 Home Replica Shirt signed by the entire squad
• SIMBA Mattress – any size as the winner wants
• Fourball voucher for Essendon Country Club
• Fourball voucher for Lost Jungle London
• Two hospitality passes for Polo in the Park on the Saturday or Sunday
• Two tickets to a Saracens Mavericks home match
• Two tickets to Jocafest Music Festival
• Woodfired Pizza Concession – vouchers for four pizzas (value £40) to be claimed on matchdays
• Indian Food concession – book dinner for two at the Indian Orchid
• A signed copy of Nigel Wray’s book
• Beer Pong and a meal for four at Porky’s Bankside
• Vouchers for the MEXICALI Burrito Van
• Two vouchers worth £25 each to spend on the MW Sweet Stand at Allianz Park

SARACENS SPORT FOUNDATION RAFFLE

The Foundation Matchday is back for the second time this season!

Saracens Men welcome Exeter Chiefs to Allianz Park on Saturday 4 May for a top of the table clash in the Gallagher Premiership and once again the Saracens Sport Foundation is taking over!

It promises to be a great day both on and off the pitch and we need your help!

We aim to raise as much money as we can for the charity and increase awareness of the work of the Foundation. We need your help to make it happen and you will be on the ground to raise vital funds for the Saracens Sport Foundation!

We need lots of people to come along so bring your friends, fans and family!

To sign up or for more information, email charliewhite@saracens.net

Our third and final London Marathon runner profile is with Beth Lawless. Find out why the busy mother of three is running at this year’s Marathon in support of the Foundation

Hey Beth, to start things off, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a busy mum of three who loves running as a chance to “escape” for a bit of head space, to relieve stress, get out into the countryside near where I live and to keep fit.

Why are you running the London Marathon this year?

It is a personal challenge even though it will not be my first time! I have run a few marathons before – London, New York and Paris – but quite a few years ago. Now that I am over 40, and have a much busier life, I want to see if I can still do it – and even do better than before!

Great stuff, and why have you decided to support the Saracens Sport Foundation?

Sport has always been a big part of my life and I understand that keeping active and fit is so important – not just in terms of physical fitness, but also mental health.

The projects that Saracens Sport Foundation run are lifelines for many people – and change their lives for the better

Other than Marathons, have you done any other similar challenges?

Last year I took part in an obstacle course style race which was a real test of fitness and strength and involved a lot of mud!

How have you found training so far?

It’s often difficult to train with three small children, but I get out when I can. I am lucky to be surrounded by miles of country lanes and fields which make getting out on a long run no hardship.

You’ve got a lot of experience of running marathons but have people been giving you any advice?

Because I have run marathons in the past, I do know what I have let myself in for, but friends and colleagues have given me lots of advice about juggling training and about new methods and eating well etc.

Not long to go now, nerves starting to kick in?

A little, but I know how tough it will be and I am prepared. I am nervous, of course, but excited too!

Lot of people like to have music on the go when they’re running. Have you got a playlist sorted?

No, I run without any technology (strange person I know!). On the day, I will love hearing the crowd and I will be looking for family and friends along the course

And last but not least, what are you looking forward to the most about the day itself?

Finishing! No, seriously, I am looking forward to the atmosphere. The atmosphere at the London Marathon is amazing and the crowds too; they really help get you through!

In our latest 2019 London Marathon profile is with Lizzie Watts. Find out why Lizzie is running the Marathon in support of the Saracens Sport Foundation

Hi Lizzie, do you want to tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a 29 year old Nanny from Hertfordshire but now living near Wimbledon. I’m a big sports fan and enjoy playing netball, running and watching rugby

Why are you running the London Marathon this year?

I’m running the London Marathon as I wanted and needed a big personal challenge for 2019. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do and thankfully the (Saracens Sport) Foundation gave me the opportunity to do it this year.

Why have you decided to support the Saracens Sport Foundation?

I’ve grown up supporting Saracens Rugby Club so I’ve always been aware of the Foundation but it was only recently I found out more about the fantastic work the Foundation does.

Working in education and childcare myself it gives me a real insight in to how sport benefits children’s mental and physical wellbeing and makes a difference to their lives.

The work that the Saracens Sport Foundation does in the community is brilliant and I’m pleased I can support their work and raise money for them.

Is this your first time doing the Marathon?

Yes!! My first and probably only marathon! I’ve run several half marathons over the last couple of years.

And how has training gone so far?

Training so far has been difficult. I’ve been struggling with a knee injury that has set me back but I’m hopefully making progress now. I’ve got a training plan that I’m trying my best to stick to before the big day. I’ve got my longer runs planned with friends over the next couple of weeks.

What advice have you received so far?

A few things: my mind and positive thinking should help get me round on the day; every training run no matter how long or short should help and enjoy myself!

Just under two months to go, are the nerves kicking in?

Yes I’m nervous, feeling quite scared to be honest! I think once I get some longer runs and more miles completed I may start to feel better.

Got your running playlist sorted for the day?

I have a running playlist but will probably create a new one for the day. It has a real mix of songs from Eminem to Queen! Also quite a few dance songs to get me running faster. Anything that keeps me motivated and moving really!

And finally, what are you looking forward to the most about the day itself?

I’m most looking forward to crossing the finish line on the day! I think it will be a fantastic experience for me and I am looking forward to it. The atmosphere and support from the crowds will be a massive boost. I think I’ll be feeling incredibly nervous until I actually start.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIZZIE AND THE FOUNDATION, FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW!

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElisabethWatts

This year’s London Marathon will see three runners running 26.2 miles through the capital, all in support of the Saracens Sport Foundation.

Over the next month we’ll be profiling our three Marathon runners, starting with Steve Cummins

Hi Steve, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been a Saracens fan for over 25 years. I’m a financial adviser for the NFU Mutual and live in Leighton Buzzard with my wife Clare and our children Beth, Hannah, Joe, Jade and Steph. I’m also the events coordinator for the Saracens Supporters Association and also sit on the fan forum.

Why are you running the London Marathon?

I have always wanted to run the London Marathon and have applied without success before. I set myself the target of doing it before I turned 50 and have two years to spare!

Why have you decided to support the Saracens Sport Foundation?

I have been a supporter of the Foundation for many years and the chance to give something back to the club who have provided me with such memories and friendships was not to be missed.

Have you done any other similar challenges like a triathlon?

This is my seventh year raising money for the Foundation. I have completed the London 10k, the North London Half Marathon twice, done two Ultramarathons, The South Coast Challenge and the Race to the Stones.

I have also done the 80-mile Saracens Cycle Challenge as well as both the Golf Days at Essendon, but this is my first full marathon.

How have you found training so far?

Training has been OK so far. That said, having a week on holiday hasn’t helped! 26.2 miles is a daunting prospect!

I imagine you must be getting advice from people?

Thankfully lots of people have given me wise words of advice such as eat lots of sweets, don’t set off too fast, think of 20 miles as halfway and most of all, enjoy it!

Just under two months to go, are the nerves kicking in?

I am starting to get a little apprehensive but I trust my training and hope the crowd will carry me in

Do you have your running playlist sorted?

I always run with music. My current playlist is Running Trax from Ministry of Sound. However, its only two and a half hours! So, I either need to run faster or get more music downloaded!

What are you looking forward to the most about the day itself?

I’m looking forward to the atmosphere on the day, finishing in one piece, seeing my family, raising a huge amount for the Foundation and above all getting my Sunday mornings back!

If you’d like to show your support for Steve and the Foundation, follow the link below!

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteveCummins

On Wednesday 10th July, take on a round of golf at the stunning Essendon Country Club, all in aid of the Saracens Sport Foundation.

There will be breakfast, lunch and some amazing prizes to win, alongside a round of golf on a beautiful course with a 9am shotgun start. You’ll also have the opportunity to see our amazing golf disABILITY programme Sarrie’s Swing.

Sarrie’s Swing is an outreach golf programme delivered in SEN secondary schools to individuals with high functioning disabilities.This golf day acts as a showcase of our golf programme and our partnership with Essendon Country Club, with our participants able to show off what they have learned in the course.

We are pleased to offer a variety of packages as well as an early bird deal before the end of March!

Fourball Package – £600
– Team of 4
– Goody bag on arrival
– Coffee, tea and bacon rolls on arrival
– 18 holes of golf
– 2 course lunch
(- Quarter page advert in the event programme – optional)

Player Package – £900
(Only 3 available)
– Team of 4 to include 1x current or former Saracens player
– Goody bag on arrival
– Coffee, tea and bacon rolls on arrival
– 18 holes of golf
– 2 course lunch
– Full page advert in the event programme

For further information please email emmawilson@saracens.net or call 0203 675 7243