Veterans Fundraising Cycle event 14 – 16 June 2024: Hereford to the National Arboretum
Reflecting on our Veterans Fundraising Cycle: A 3-Day Adventure of Purpose and Unity
Our exciting charity cycle, the 2024 Hereford to National Arboretum ride, has come to a successful conclusion!
Our Extraordinary 3-Day Adventure
This event marked our third cycle fundraising event, following the highly successful Cardiff to Paris ride in 2022 and Normandy Battlefields in 2023. This time, we embarked on an extraordinary journey, honouring those who served in the Falklands Conflict. From June 14th to June 16th, we cycled from Hereford to The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Along the way, we visited beautiful memorials, created wonderful memories, and built life-long friendships. The journey was challenging yet rewarding, with the ultimate goal of helping our veterans throughout Wales access life-changing services.
Day 1: Remembrance and Reflection in Hereford
Our 3-day exploration began early at 7:30 am, departing from Hereford. The cenotaph there served as a focal point for remembrance and reflection, standing as a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives during various conflicts, including the Falklands Conflict. We held a short service to honour and express gratitude for their service before spending the night at the charming Premier Inn Bromsgrove Central Hotel.
Day 2: A time for connection
On the second day, we started our journey a little later at 10 am and headed to the East Chase Distillers in Kenilworth. This was our time to socialise and connect over delicious artisan gin while overlooking the picturesque East Chase Farm. Our home for the night was the delightful Premier Inn Balsall Common Hotel.
Day 3: A personal touch with a special memorial service for Woody
On day 3, we began the final leg of our journey at 9:30 am and made our way to the tranquil National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. This living tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families spans 150 acres and is home to over 30,000 trees and more than 400 memorials, each representing a unique story of courage and dedication. Our visit included a special memorial service for Woody, adding a personal touch to our journey. The Arboretum provided a serene and contemplative space for us to pay our respects and reflect on the profound impact of military service.
A Thrilling Cycling Adventure That Fostered Purpose & Unity
The 2024 Hereford to National Arboretum ride aimed to challenge us physically while connecting with the deeper meaning of our journey by paying homage to the heroes of the Falklands Conflict and supporting Woody’s Memorial Service. It offered moments of reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie, fostering a sense of purpose and unity among our riders. It was a thrilling cycle adventure where we met new people, built new friendships, and helped our Welsh veterans.
A Grateful Reflection
Our team of riders had a courageous goal, and we turned it into reality with the support of many. We aimed to rally a crowd of 70 riders for this exciting journey, and we are grateful for everyone who participated.
Even if some were unable to join as riders or logistical support, many supported the event by donating through our website or starting personal fundraising pages. Every contribution made a difference, and together, we made a significant impact.
Ready to roll? Here’s how you can join the next adventure:
We are now planning our 4th Annual Fundraising Cycle – Somme Battlefields 2025! This event presents a unique opportunity to honor the past while supporting a great cause. Whether you’re passionate about history or an avid cyclist, this fundraiser promises to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. We are excited to invite you to join us!
Remembering the past, impacting the future
We can’t wait for you to journey through history with us, paying tribute to the past while making a positive impact on the future. Let’s pedal for a purpose, embrace the challenge, and make this fundraising cycle ride a monumental success. Together, we can create lasting memories while supporting a noble cause. For more details and to register, visit our website here.
