The annual cycling event SR UK will be coming to Hampshire in September, with a group of wounded, injured and sick veterans from the UK and the United States coming together to take on a week of cycling…
The group will visit a number of attractions across Hampshire and Dorset including Winchester Cathedral, Bovington Tank Museum, the Watercress Steam Train Line and the Museum of Army Flying before finishing in London.
Starting on Sunday 25 September, the riders will be set off by Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire, Andrew Kent Esq DL, who will be meeting them at the start line.
Mr Kent said: “Hampshire people are tremendously proud to be hosting many of the week’s activities, and to welcome US veterans as well as those from the UK. The Invictus Games in May, and now the Rio Paralympics, show just how much can be achieved despite physical challenges. This event is another demonstration of that success, and I am very privileged to be part of it."
Each day following, the riders will take on a different part of the countryside, taking in the fantastic scenery and places of interest, riding on average between 25 and 30 miles per day. Some of the riders will be completing the week on hand-bikes.
SR UK is in its fourth year and has proved to be an extremely popular event amongst the British and American cohorts. Both groups appreciate the chance to meet and bond with comrades who have been through similar events and who share the same military sense of humour.
Blesma Chief Executive Barry Le Grys said: “Once again we are extremely pleased to host SR UK bringing together wounded veterans from both sides of the Atlantic for a hard six day cycle ride. The challenge, comradeship and sense of achievement will be of much worth individually and collectively in managing wounds for the longer term. Hampshire is home to a great many serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces and we are grateful to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Kent, for launching the Ride.”
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.