Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, and Minister for the Armed Forces recently met with 30 injured military veterans who had cycled across the south east of England to help raise money for service charities. SR UK was a six day long cycling tour organised by London based military charity BLESMA – The Limbless Veterans. It brought injured veterans, both from Britain and the USA, together to cycle over 250 miles, tackling between 30 - 50 miles a day.
At Windsor Castle, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York met and spoke to the riders, many of whom have overcome life-changing injuries. The Princess then waved the veterans off as they embarked on the first leg of their bike tour.
The riders, many on adapted cycles and hand bikes, rode past some iconic locations including the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, Battle Abbey, Arundel Castle and Top Gear’s Dunsfold Airstrip before finishing at Horse Guards Parade, where the riders were congratulated by Mark, in his capacity as the Minister of State for the Armed Forces. He welcomed the American riders to British soil and spoke of his utmost regard for their outstanding achievement.
The day before the 30 cyclists embarked on the epic bike ride, they were treated to a dinner reception at the American Embassy hosted by the US Defence Attaché Brigadier General Quintas. He showed his respect for the wounded warriors by getting his bike out and joining the tour on four days out of six.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, said:
“I was pleased to welcome all the riders who took part in the SR UK ride to Horse Guards Parade and congratulate them on their completed journey. What these veterans have done is a remarkable achievement and I was pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to them.”