PLEASE NOTE: Due to unforeseen circumstances we are bringing the 'Ride to Arnhem' forward by two weeks. This means we will now be setting off on Wednesday 1st July, arriving at Arnhem Bridge on Saturday 4th July.
In an effort to keep my bulging waistline to a minimum, I had the bright idea of purchasing a cycle with the intention of cycling to 5-a-side football once a week. A total journey of 4 miles (but felt like well over 40!).
I had what seemed an even brighter idea a few weeks later!
After watching the film 'A Bridge Too Far' (again), our local Anglia news then proceeded to inform the viewers of yet another member of the Parachute Regiment that had been killed in Afghanistan. It was then I realised that these young men fighting in Afghanistan are the very same caliber of men who fought so bravely at Arnhem in 1944. With my only contribution (and I am sure many peoples) to our Armed Forces being just a pound a year on a Poppy, I decided this year I would do more. So with a new bike, Colchester Barracks being just up the road and a ferry to Holland on my doorstep, what better way to pay my respects to the airborne veterans and also raise much needed funds for our serving troops than to...
Cycle 150 Miles from Colchester to Arnhem, Holland.
I have been joined on this trip by my friend Mike Jones, who last year completed the 50 mile Glasgow to Edinburgh charity cycle ride.
We will be leaving the Merville Barracks at Colchester, home of the Parachute Regiment, on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th July, cycling the 18 miles to Harwich and sailing overnight to Holland. We will then complete the remaining 132 miles over the next 3 days arriving at Arnhem Bridge on Saturday 18th, fingers crossed.
So, if you are like me and only buy a Poppy every November, please take this opportunity to sponsor Mike and myself and help raise vital and much needed funds for the Airborne Forces.
Who the Airborne Forces Charity gives to
- Serving members of the Parachute Regiment and their families
- Members of the Parachute Regimental Association
- Qualified parachutists serving in armed forces units with an airborne role
- Retired members of the Airborne Forces
- Youth organisations that would benefit from the ‘Airborne Spirit’ ethos
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Airborne Forces Charities gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor us now!
I would like to thank Stena Line who have kindly arranged for us to travel from Harwich to Holland to help make this ride possible.
