In August this year I shall be participating in Ride to the Somme, a 240 mile cycle ride over 3 days to raise £1600 for SSAFA.The ride will specifically mark the work of the Cyclist Regiments that were involved in the Great War of 1914-18. I was motivated to take part in the challenge because of the timing of the event which will mark 100 years since the 1918 Armistice.

SSAFA is the oldest military charity  in the world and was asked by the Government at the outbreak of the Great War to support the families of Servicemen.This is a task that it continues to fulfill today, as it exists to relieve need suffering and distress amongst The Armed Forces, Veterans and  their families. An example of the work they undertake now is  that relating to Louis. He served with the parachute regiment, completing two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. While on patrol in Helmand he was injured by a grenade and his leg was badly damaged, later being amputated. After he was medically discharged SSAFA were there to help Louis retrain as an electrician as well as making sure his house was fully accessible to him. In 2016 SSAFA helped over 67,000 people like Louis.

By raising funds for SSAFA I am helping them to be there for even more veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families.

For me personally the individual link with family ancestors who gave their lives or were injured in the Great War is a driving force for my involvement. My father's eldest brother William whose picture  I am proud to display at the  top of my page enlisted at the age of 16. His mother had to provide her written consent for him to join the Barnsley Pals. He was killed at The Somme 12/08/1916. My wife's great uncle Charles Edward Firth  was gassed at The Somme on 02/06/1916. 

My participation in this event is an opportunity to commemorate William and Charles whilst raising valuable funds for SSAFA in its work with present day veterans.

Every family in Britain has ancestors like William and Charles, please take this opportunity to commemorate them and support SSAFA in 2018 by sponsoring me.