Live ChatD-Day Cycle Ride 2019
13 September 2019
13 September 2019
On Wednesday 4th September, 72 cyclists embarked an epic 230-mile cycle challenge to Northern France to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The group started off at the historic Southwick House near Portsmouth, the forward headquarters for the invasion of Normandy, travelling to Caen in Northern France for the 230-mile cycle-ride. It was a chance to pay respects to those who fought and fell on D-Day, as well as raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Former pro-cyclist Philippa York and SSAFA CEO Andrew Gregory were part of the group which cycled up to 80 miles a day past the beaches the Allied Forces stormed over 75 years ago; Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches. Philippa wrote a touching piece about her experiences, which can be viewed here.
The Cyclists also rode over Pegasus Bridge, famously taken in the early hours of D-Day by the 6th Airborne Division and through Sainte-Mère-Église, also taken in the early hours by the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The trip culminated in a service of Remembrance at the Bayeux Cemetery, the largest WW2 cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France.
We’re incredibly grateful to all 72 of our D-Day Cycle riders for taking part in this incredible challenge. It was an extremely special event to commemorate the lives lost at D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
- James Grant, Head of Corporate Fundraising & Events, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the forces, and their families. This includes both regulars and reserves.