My son Cooper age 4 and I are taking part in our first RAFA rides to help raise awareness of the incredible work RAFA does for the RAF community and to raise a bit of money for them too.

Cooper and I will ride 25 x miles on our tandem bike, which is a lot for his little legs (and my old ones!).

Cooper understands his Grandpa was a pilot in the RAF and that others like him are in need of help.

Often members of our armed forces - both serving and veteran - won't ask for help as its just not in their nature. RAFA is actively working to help them through proactive work. Providing subsidised childcare places at RAF bases all over the country through RAFAKidz. Providing a place to take a short break away. Cost of Living support. Mental Health support. The list is long and the work provides vital support to people who have stood up and stood in the way for the security of all of us.

We want to give something back to them and would be incredibly grateful if you could show your support, every £1 makes a difference and .89p goes directly to the point of need.

RAFA Rides is the RAF Association’s annual global cycling event that connects thousands of riders across the world.

For the first time RAFA Rides 2025 will take place across three RAF stations – Marham, Brize Norton and Leeming as well as the renowned event at Kendrew Barracks. The RAFA Rides season will begin at RAF Marham on Saturday 7 June, followed by Kendrew Barracks on Saturday 14 June, RAF Brize Norton on Saturday 21 June and RAF Leeming on Saturday 28 June. RAFA Rides Your Way, which takes place throughout the month of June 2025, offers participants the most flexibility, allowing teams and individuals to create their own events from wherever they are in the world, choosing their own date, start time, location and distance.

Money raised through RAFA Rides is used to fund the RAF Association’s vital work providing much-needed help and support to thousands in the RAF community. In 2024, the event raised an incredible £150,000!

Thank you so much for your support.

Simon and Cooper Lane