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Mike will try harder with Hornets' pledge

4/ 8/2008

THREE weeks into his sponsored slim to raise money for Springhill Hospice, Observer rugby correspondent Mike Floyd has been given an almighty boost by Rochdale Hornets.

Club directors have sponsored him £50 per pound lost, so any drop in motivation has been quickly curtailed.

Gone is the agony as he passes a cake shop and casts a lingering look towards the goodies on display.

Disappeared are the tears which would stream down his face whenever the Guinness adverts appeared on screen.

Back, thanks to Hornets, is a steely determination to shed those pounds for a worthy local cause.

Hornets commercial director Karen Reynolds feels that as a club which is part of the fixtures and fittings of the town they should rally round to help a valued local charity.

She said: "We have sponsored Mike because the club has a long-standing relationship with him.

"We believe his and the Observer’s efforts on behalf of Springhill Hospice are hugely important and it is a very worthy cause.

"We think it’s extremely admirable what Mike is doing and he has our full support. Hornets are proud of what he is doing and the fact it is for all the right reasons."

Hornets coach Darren Shaw also offered encouragement and Mike could still, perhaps, fulfil his ambition in a Hornets shirt.

Shaw said: "Who knows what a slimline version of Mike might offer the Hornets team? And at £50 per pound his signing fee might still turn out to be a bargain.

"I can only wish him all the best and let’s hope he raises a lot of money for the hospice."

Our intrepid reporter was almost, but not quite speechless at Hornets’ superb gesture and added: "I am overwhelmed by Hornets’ generosity.

"It will be a major contribution to sit alongside the many other offers of sponsorship I have received so far.

"The rugby community has always been generous in spirit and I am proud the hospice will benefit from that."

Littleborough Rugby Union Club, based at Rakewood behind Hollingworth Lake, have also stepped up to the plate.

Littleborough spokesman Brian Hurst contacted Mike and has pledged £10 per pound towards his money-raising efforts.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/floydonfat or by contacting Mike on 354321 ext 324.