YEOVILTON LIFE: Charity bike ride for SSAFA

YEOVILTON LIFE: Charity bike ride for SSAFA

THE Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton hosted a 48-mile cycle ride in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association.

Sponsored by BAE Systems, the cyclists set off on a route around South Somerset.  This is the first SSAFA event of its kind in the area and, combined with excellent weather, proved a success.

The first group of cyclists set off at 10am with the final group departing at midday with Royal Navy Chaplain, Martin Evans, managing to make the last departure time having just finished taking the Sunday service at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church in Yeovilton village.

The 48-mile course provided the regular and more competitive cyclist with enough of a challenge including the must-have elevations combined with some decent sprint opportunities.

Plans are already afoot with the Fleet Air Arm Museum to host this event again next year.YEOVILTON LIFE: Charity bike ride for SSAFA

PHOTO – TOP: Chairman of the SSAFA service committee, Trisha Hymas, is seen with cyclists (from left) Oli Hymas, Steve Price, Conor Campbell, Tim Watkins, Etonia Suraki, Steve Baker and Lyall Jones.

Thanks go to BAE Systems; Kings School, Bruton, which acted as the cyclists’ first water point; the Natterjack Pub in Evercreech which was water point two; Commodore Jock Alexander for his support; and RNAS Yeovilton personnel and others for backing this event.

This was a particularly important event organised at a local level where SSAFA’s teams of trained volunteers continue to work hard to ensure that help and advice are always close at hand.

Last year alone, the RNAS Yeovilton Service Committee supported a number of service personnel and their families with housing issues, flood damage repairs and other compassionate cases in our local community.

SSAFA’s long history of supporting the Forces and their families has made it Britain’s most trusted charity[1].  The charity is increasingly helping younger veterans, many of whom are in their 20s and 30s.

Chairman of SSAFA service committee, Patricia Hymas, said: “This SSAFA cycle ride provided an opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to meet other like-minded individuals for an event that maintains fitness while giving the cardio-vascular system a good workout.

“It is widely acknowledged that cycling is one of the best ways for people to achieve good health, fitness and wellbeing.

SSAFA has supported our Forces and their families for more than 125 years but the work we do now is more vital than ever before.  It’s really important that those who serve and those who used to serve in our Forces know that SSAFA is here for them and their families for life.

PHOTO ABOVE: Pictured (from front to rear) Oli Hymas, Steve Price, Conor Campbell, Tim Watkins, Etonia Suraki, Steve Baker and Lyall Jones.



 

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