RAF team in 1,000-mile bike ride to raise charity funds

The Ride for RAFA is the culmination of months of training for the North Yorkshire team, who hope that their efforts will raise more than £10,000 for the Royal Air Forces Association.

The charity provides welfare service and support to serving and former members of the Royal Air Force and their families. At RAF Leeming, support from the charity has included funding the refurbishment of a welfare house which personnel can use in times of crisis or for access visits with their children.

Over the next 10 days, the Royal Air Force Leeming team of 10 personnel will all be cycling around 100 miles each day, their route including Boulmer, Edinburgh, Leuchars, Ballatar, Lossiemouth, Fort William, Clyde, Longtown and Preston before finally arriving back home.

Squadron Leader Simon Tatters, who organised the event with Warrant Officer Colin Hunter, said: “The last few days have been quite testing, trying to get everything together but we are ready to go.

“There are some nerves because it’s a big undertaking and we have a lot of miles to get through, but we are capable of doing it and look forward to riding back in 10 days’ time. We think it’s vital to raise awareness of RAFA because they look after us and importantly our families from when we are in the air force until we die. It isn’t just about veterans, and we want the current generation to help keep it going.”

Station Commander Group Capt Tony Innes, said: “I am extremely proud of the team.”