Seventeen cyclists to ride 117 miles on Saturday in memory of Northop Cricket Club member
A group of cyclists from Northop will ride 117 miles on Saturday in memory of Simon Jones, a sportsman and Northop Cricket Club member who passed away in October 2025.
The Northop Old Boys, a cycling group attached to Northop Cricket Club, will set off from the club at 6am and aim to complete the challenge within nine to ten hours.
The route visits three venues that held special significance for Simon: Northop Cricket Club to Old Trafford, Old Trafford to Wrexham AFC, and back to Northop Cricket Club.
Simon was a season ticket holder at both Manchester United and Wrexham AFC, and a dedicated member of Northop Cricket Club.
He is survived by three children, Ffion, Connie and Henry, who plays for Northop Cricket Club’s Under-13s and also represents Airbus in football.
The ride is being led by Simon’s brother-in-law, Stevie Greig, alongside 16 fellow cyclists: Stu Askey, John Atkinson, Jonathon Bates, Neil Bates, James Bevan, Kev Blackwell, Rich Cowley, Dan Farrell, Paul Groves, Chris Jones, Nathan Jones, Andy Roberts, Graham Lloyd-Roberts, Lee Wasnidge and Matt Welsh.
The fundraising appeal had already passed its initial target of £5,000 before the ride even takes place, and the target has since been increased to raise further funds.
Money raised will be split between the Youth Sport Trust and Northop Cricket Club, which will invest its share in improving facilities for its 300 members and 10 cricket teams.
The riders are expected back at Northop Cricket Club between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday, where supporters and members of the community are invited to welcome them home.
Northop Cricket Club’s 1st XI will be playing at the ground on their return, and the award-winning Northop Silver Band will perform live.
A barbecue and refreshments will also be available throughout the afternoon.
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/simonjonesqrcode.