Blue Light Cycle Club and Tour de BT raise more than £30,500 for SSAFA 

18 September 2026

Riders from across the defence and emergency public service sectors have raised more than £30,500 - including Gift Aid - for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity after completing this year’s Blue Light Cycle Club x Tour de BT challenge around Cambridgeshire. 

The three-day event saw cyclists of mixed abilities and experience take on routes across the county, with the mercurial weather gods delivering driving rain on day one and persistent headwinds on day two before relenting and providing bright sunshine on the final day.

While the weather tested legs and lungs, the esprit de corps was the epitome of teamwork, encouragement, and solidarity, with riders supporting one another to complete the challenge and raise funds for SSAFA’s work with serving personnel and veterans, and their families.

The purpose behind the Tour de BT was brought into sharp focus by Sir Simon Bollom, SSAFA’s National Chair, who spoke about the challenges facing SSAFA and the importance of the charity’s support. 

Riders also heard from one participant who shared their own experience of receiving help from SSAFA while serving in the Army in Germany.

Sir Simon said: “We’re hugely grateful to Blue Light Cycle Club, Tour de BT, and every rider, sponsor, and supporter who made this wonderful event possible. Three days of tough, but enjoyable cycling in the spirit of camaraderie and charitable giving have been inspiring.

“The funds raised will help SSAFA continue to provide practical, emotional, and financial support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families when they need us most. Thank you to Blue Light Cycle Club and sponsors BT for once again going the extra mile – actually, the extra miles – for the Armed Forces community.”

Sir Simon went on to thank the team from BT - Caitlin Chinnock, Damian Hart, Sarah Riach, Jamie Twemlow, and Ben Farrer - for organising the event, and to main partners North and Virtua Technology for their unwavering support in making the challenge such a success.

Thanks also go to the riders and sponsors from Netskope, Cycle Claim Direct, Spectro Cloud, Brexons, Inzpire, Dell Technologies, Fortinet, and NG Bailey for their support.