SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is delighted to announce its D-Day Cycle Tour, which starts on Wednesday the 5th of June 2024. The route begins at historic Southwick House in Portsmouth, the site of the forwards headquarters of the invasion of Normandy and the famous Map Room.
From there, onto a ferry and across the Channel, via the landmark beaches stormed by Allied Forces exactly 80 years ago; Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah, then triumphantly on to Caen. During the three day, fully supported event, cyclists will ride over Pegasus Bridge, famously taken in the early hours of D-Day by the 6th Airborne Division and through Sainte-Mère-Église, also taken in the early hours by the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The trip will culminate in a service of Remembrance at the Bayeux Cemetery, the largest WW2 cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France.
Commemorating the lives lost during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, this epic 240-mile cycle challenge will see participants cycle up to 80 miles per day, through historic and inspiring landscape, offering the opportunity not only to raise funds for SSAFA but also to immerse yourself in the history and awe of what was achieved on D-Day 80 years ago.
Lt General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA said: “D Day – 6th June 1944 - was the start of the liberation of northern Europe and the end of Nazi tyranny; men and women gave their lives so we could enjoy democracy and freedom. Cycling past the beaches and through the countryside 80 years to the day after those actions happened is a fitting tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
It also highlights why SSAFA must be there for those veterans and all those who put service to the Nation before themselves, and their families, then, now and in the future. Additionally, the ride – when one’s not tackling some horrendous incline, is fun; the camaraderie is wonderful. I look forward to seeing you there.” If you would like to sign up for this event visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/challenge-events/cycle/d-day-ride-2024.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of practical, emotional, and financial support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2021 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 66,000 people, from Second World War veterans to those who have served in more recent conflicts, or currently serving (both regulars and reserves), and their families.
The SSAFA family includes the Military Wives Choirs, both an independent charity and a subsidiary of SSAFA, which supports women across the military community. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And they are here for that person – any time they need them, in any way they need them, for as long as they need them. Ssafa.org.uk
