Major David Heath French of Royal Army Medical Services (RAMS) has embarked on a 600-kilometre cycle ride from The Kelpies in Stirling to Weston Lawns, Bedworth to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health in the armed forces and emergency services – as well as funds for charities in these sectors.
Organisations to benefit are SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the Fire Fighters Charity, Police Care UK, and NHS Charities Together.
David, who lives in Colsterwort, Lincolnshire, has so far served for 21 years in the British Army, and his current post is Executive Officer of East Midlands University Officers’ Training Corps in Beeston, Nottingham.
His family’s military connections are strong, with his brother, Richard, late the Coldstream Guards who now works for SSAFA and is instrumental in its extreme challenge events. His late father was Colonel Michael French in the Royal Army Medical Corps (now RAMS), mother is Captain Shirley French formerly of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, and his wife Debi – founder of the Forces Equine Games – was in the Royal Corps of Signals.
While most of David’s ride is a solo effort, he will occasionally be joined by a few other ex-Forces to offer support as he cycles from the gigantic horses’ heads of The Kelpies to real horses as Weston Lawns is the location of the Forces Equine Games 2025.
David said:
“Mental health is a constant presence among those who represent the Emergency Services and Armed Forces due to the nature of their jobs. To remain current and adaptable in supporting these communities through mental health care which always requires funding.
“Any donation will help fund the vital work the chosen charities – SSAFA, the Fire Fighters Charity, Police Care UK, and NHS Charities Together – as they support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us.”
David is scheduled to arrive at the Forces Equine Games on its opening day, Sunday, May 25.
Donations can be made through the Forces Equine Games website here.
Image: © Forces Equine Games
