Newcastle man gears up for charity cycle ride to honour fallen Gulf War comrades
Newcastle-based RAF veteran Martin Wintermeyer recently completed a solo cycle challenge in memory of friends and colleagues killed training for and during the first Gulf War.
This was a far cry from the ride he had planned with fellow veteran and long-time friend Mal Craghill, who lives in Carlisle.
The pair were all set for their Tornado Tribute Tour of England to start in February, during the thirtieth anniversary of the conflict. Their 670 mile challenge was to visit and lay wreaths at all the English grave sites of the Tornado aircrew lost in the Middle East 30 years ago, as well as the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to pay their respects at the Gulf War Memorial and the Armed Forces Memorial.
The latter commemorates not just the seven Tornado aircrew killed on deployed operations, but also those lost in training accidents in the UK. They were also to remember the two pilots from the RAF Jaguar force who were killed. In total they were to honour the memory of 13 RAF and one US Air Force aircrew.
Lockdown three put paid to their plans for the time being, but the intrepid pair were not deterred. They undertook a series of solo rides in their local areas. Far from being alone on the road, they were joined in spirit by friends and former colleagues, each remembering their fallen comrades in their own way. Some cycled, some walked and some ran.
In total, well over 2,000 miles were covered on bikes, both indoors and outdoors. Adding in at least 356 miles covered on foot, at various speeds, the grand total is significantly over 2,600 miles in memory of those who never made it home. Martin and Mal had originally hoped to raise £10,000 for the Royal Air Forces Association, the charity that supports the RAF family, and have already reached almost £18,000.
Martin and Mal plan to complete their Tornado Tribute Tour of England from 18 to 27 June this year (restrictions allowing). They will start at St Eval in Cornwall and finish in Washington, visiting the UK grave sites and memorials of Tornado and Jaguar aircrew lost before and during the first Gulf War.
Martin said: “Mal and I want to thank everyone who has supported us so far, from our sponsors, to those who joined us on their bikes or on foot, to those who have made kind donations to the RAF Association and to the families of the guys we lost. Their support has meant so much to us.
“The rides gave us all a great opportunity to think and reflect, and process the grief we weren’t able to confront 30 years ago. We are now looking forward to starting to train for the main event – the ride we had originally planned for this period.”
To help them prepare for their cycle challenge, Martin and Mal are inviting people to join them on a training ride every other Sunday. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter (@TTTE1991) for details. Or you can make a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TTTE