The Armed Forces is something of an unknown to me. A group of organisations consisting of thousands of people who dedicate themselves to securing the peaceful continuity of our way of life. It’s one of the many ‘givens’ I don’t consider on a day-to-day basis that I’m extremely privileged to benefit from.

You may not always agree with how the Armed Forces are deployed, though that is a different matter for another time. What is indisputable is that the life of serving personnel is spent repeatedly leaving behind family and friends to apply their specialist skills far from home, often in known areas of danger and ultimately risking their lives, all in defence of people they do not know.

It’s an incredibly selfless way to live.

Unfortunately, some people pay a physical price whilst fulfilling their duty. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, or DMRC for short, at Stanford Hall treats the most seriously wounded. Whilst the costs of surgeries and treatments are covered by the Armed Forces, there are a multitude of challenges that people face in their rehab journey that incur costs not covered by the public purse.

The DMRC Benevolent Fund provides funding to support holistic, occupational and social integration opportunities for patients at DMRC Stanford Hall. They provide events and activities to enhance the rehabilitation process, and play a vital role in keeping patients motivated and supported while undertaking what can be an arduous and challenging journey to recovery.

And so I’m once again cycling a big distance to raise vital funds for a worthy cause. Only the ante has increased somewhat as this time I’ll be tackling nearly 900 miles over 9 consecutive days to get from DMRC Stanford Hall to Monaco! 

Together with a couple of good friends and a bunch of other fine folk we’ll be pedalling the length of France and half of England, over a mountain or two, through rain and shine all in the aid of the DMRC Benevolent Fund, to support people who have had their life turned upside down as a consequence of serving for the benefit of us all.

If you are able, I’d very much appreciate your donation as I take on the Pedal to the Principality!

Many thanks

Barrie