Rockbourne man takes on gruelling cycle challenge for Salisbury charity
The 487 kilometre ride in Southern Spain will help homeless veterans
Twelve amateur cyclists are taking part in an epic Race to the Sun sponsored challenge in Southern Spain in support of Salisbury based charity Alabaré.
It's to help raise funds to help veterans who have struggled and faced being homeless since leaving the Armed Forces.
Th challenge begins today (Monday 16th May) and will see the participants complete a gruelling 487 kilometre circular ride across Gibraltar and Andalucia, in Southern Spain.
The riders will face staggering category 1 ascents totalling 8,600m, which is just less than summitting Everest, in temperatures of more than 30 degrees.
Taking part in Race to the Sun is Lee Bradley from Rockbourne near Fordingbridge (pictured above).
Lee joined the 1st Battalion The Queens Regiment in 1980 and went straight to jungles of Belize for six months. Lee left the army after 12 years as a platoon sergeant, and now works for a large IT company.
Lee says:
“I am active and run a lot, play village cricket and walk my two dogs. Whilst I am fit, I am not a cyclist, this challenge will take me out of my comfort zone for sure. I look forward to the challenge.”
Anyone who is able to support Lee and help Alabaré provide help homeless and vulnerable veterans can give online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BrilliantBradders
The challenge is being led by Army Veteran Major Ken Hames MBE, who spent time in Gibraltar during his military career, and is passionate about ensuring veterans get the support they need if they struggling after leaving the Forces.
Ken explains:
“Raising money for our homeless veterans, our veteran cyclists face a stiff test of stamina and endurance over mountains of Andalucía. This act of courage and care personifies our values in Alabare bringing together a determined team who understand well our reasons for doing it. The challenge is about teamwork and encouragement tackling Category 1 Tour de France type ascents and descents---this is a lot by anybody’s standards, and we salute and wish the team every success with a comfortable saddle!”
The project has been generously supported by several organisations including Ibex insurance, Admiral UK, Rebecca Day 360° and Marshall’s Mercedes .
Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans provides accommodation and support for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless across the South and South West of England and across Wales. In addition Alabaré provide self-build opportunities for veterans to regain their well-being and independence by taking part in construction projects, gaining skills and a home to live in.
Alabaré also offer a programme of outdoor activities for veterans to improve and manage their mental well-being.