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I’ve completed the 460km from London to Paris with The Royal British Legion from 4th - 8th September. I'm funding the trip independently, so all donations go directly to the charity.

You can see some images of the ride and spot me at the following links.

https://ianspedaltoparis2014.shutterfly.com
 
http://www.photobox.co.uk/slideshow?album_id=2765265867

This centenary year I wanted to commemorate my Grandfather. Like many of you who have a relative who fought in the Great War, the media build up to this year has focused our minds.

Andrew McMurtry, age 17, joined the 11th Battalion (South Antrim Volunteers) Royal Irish Rifles in 1915. Training took place in Ireland, before moving to Seaford in July 15. After further training he embarked to France with the 36th Ulster Division on 6th September 1915, initially camped near Arras. The Division's campaign came to a climax at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916. The 11th Battalion's objective was the infamous Schwaben Redoubt, fighting through Thiepval Woods. The objective was achieved, but with the loss of 2069 men and 5104 casualties. One of the fortunate, Andy survived to fight another day, notably at the 3rd battle of Ypes and Cambria the following year.

He survived the war and returned back to Ulster to train as a carpenter. Unfortunately his luck ran out age 55 on board the Princess Victoria. He was employed as a ship's carpenter. She was making a routine crossing of the Irish Sea to Scotland through a storm, when unfortunately her car deck flooded and she sank with the loss of 132 of the 172 passengers and crew.

There are no surviving images of Andy, or detailed records of his war service. These were destroyed in a fire at the National Archives many years ago. Luckily his medals have survived, and sit proudly on the desk in my study.

In addition to the planned route I intend to cycle out to the Ulster memorial tower at the Thiepval commonwealth cemetery.This is an amazing event and I’m doing it to raise much needed money to support their vital welfare work supporting the Armed Forces community. The Royal British Legion provides welfare to the whole Armed Forces family – serving, ex-Service and their dependants. They also campaign on issues affecting Service people. The Royal British Legion spend £1.6 million a week providing practical, emotional and financial support to the Armed Forces community. Whether it's families coping with the loss of a loved one; handy van services for veterans; money and careers advice for service leavers or residential care: they are there to help. As more modern veterans charities following recent conflicts have been established it is important to recognise the breadth of the work of the Royal British Legion and continue to support them.

Sponsor me and help make a difference! Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate. Alternatively I have a Big Red Legion collecting tin in the outpatient department at work.

Thanks for looking up my page, and hopefully being as generous as our forefathers.

Ian