This summer a group of cyclists comprising veterans, civilians and serving personnel are riding the Western Front Way (https://www.thewesternfrontway.com/) in order to raise money for The Not Forgotten (https://thenotforgotten.org/). This is the UK’s oldest military charity having been originally set up to help World War One veterans. 2020 is their centenary year as an official charity so it seems appropriate to ride the line of the Western Front from World War One. In total we will be riding about 520 miles over 6 days from the French Alps to Calais. We will be doing this on road bikes and hand bikes for those with leg injuries.

By way of background, through social activities and challenge holidays, The Not Forgotten combats isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community. 

They support any serving man or woman who is wounded, injured or sick and any veteran with a disability, illness or infirmity; whatever the cause and whenever it arose. Any serving or former member of The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The British Army, The Royal Air Force and The Merchant Navy, both Regular and Reserve Forces, may be eligible for their help.

Their motto ‘From Comradeship To Challenge’ illustrates the variety and breadth of the support they offer. Some of the activities provide a physical challenge and the opportunity to develop self-confidence, others are of a more social nature aimed at fostering camaraderie and friendship; many offer both challenge and comradeship. Each of the events and activities is intended to restore confidence, enhance wellbeing, boost morale and improve the chances of the service man or woman and their family enjoying a normal, if not better, life.