Help for Heroes Rides
Help for Heroes Rides 2014
John Mx/PR
A series of challenge rides
Help for Heroes are inviting cyclists and fitness enthusiasts from across the UK to join Patrons Lorraine Kelly, Peta Cavendish, Pollyanna Woodward and wounded ex-Servicemen Steve McCulley and Ben Zissman in a series of organised cycle rides of varying distances which include; Brussels, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff and the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre at Tedworth House, Tidworth.
In addition, following demand from previous years, the charity is also encouraging enthusiastic cyclists to create their own rides. You choose your team, route and your distance from anywhere in the country. The ‘Do it Yourself’ rides are an ideal way for individuals, groups of friends or colleagues, and cycling clubs to combine their love of the sport with supporting a great cause.
All of the rides will come together in London on Sunday 08 June for the Grand Finale, where an anticipated 2,000 riders will cycle together from Blackheath into Horse Guards Parade, with the aim to raise £1.5 million.
Pedalling for a purpose is often one of the most rewarding things anyone can do. Through the varying routes and terrain to the hard work, energy and excitement that brings together people from all walks of life, cycling for charity creates a great sense of pride in completing a challenge and raising money for a good cause.
With 10,535 British men and women injured in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Combat Stress estimating that 40,000 Servicemen and women will suffer from some form of invisible injury over the coming years, Help for Heroes have stressed the importance of the £1.5 million fundraising target for 2014.
The funds raised by Hero Ride 2014 will help the Charity continue to deliver direct support to Service Personnel and Veterans who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.
Help for Heroes needs to deliver two key new projects this year; The Hidden Wounds Psychological Wellbeing Programme and an expansion of the Northern Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Catterick. Both projects will be instrumental in the long term support of individuals and their families.
H4H Patron Mark Cavendish, who is the lead Hero Ride 2014 Ambassador, said, “The Hero Ride is an amazing opportunity to cycle alongside our wounded men and women and to hear their inspirational stories.
“I’ve seen how Help for Heroes supports them and their families and in 2014 that support is going to be more important than ever. I’d urge anyone who has ever thought about doing something life-changing or challenging to do their bit and sign-up to the Hero Ride 2014.
“I hope to join the ride myself and my wife Peta will be taking part in her third Hero Ride. We’ll both be cheering you along the way!”
H4H Patron Peta Cavendish, wife of cycling legend Mark, will be completing the Big Battlefield Bike Ride for the third time, said, “Both Mark and I are so proud to be Patrons for Help for Heroes and we will be heavily involved in supporting Hero Ride 2014.
“I cannot wait to show my support to those amazingly courageous servicemen and women and look forward to seeing the British public in their droves in London once again on 08 June.”
In 2014 UK troops will withdraw from Afghanistan and it is essential that support continues for those who have suffered life-changing injury or illness.
Bryn Parry, Co-Founder of Help for Heroes, said, “Troops may be withdrawing from Afghanistan but our support will be there for those who are injured and their families, for life. Our ambition is for Hero Ride 2014 to be bigger and better than ever before and I would like to see the British public continue with their generosity for our heroes. Cycle with us, donate to our good cause and show your support with pride.”
Chain Reaction Cycles is the official retail partner for Hero Ride 2014.
• Edinburgh to London 01 – 08 June: 440 Miles
• Manchester to London 04 – 08 June: 230 Miles
• Cardiff to London 05 – 08 June: 170 Miles
• Tedworth to London 08 June: 100 Miles
• Do it Yourself Ride: Choose your team, route and your distance and join the rest of the team at Blackheath on the 08 June
