Charity bike ride raises thousands for soldiers

Thousands of pounds was raised for injured soldiers as part of a charity bike ride in Portsmouth, it has been revealed.

Organised by the SSAFA armed forces charity and BT's Openreach, the Victory Ride ride took place between May 17th-18th and set off from Portsmouth.

The event went through the southern coastal towns of England, covering 100 miles each day.

It subsequently finished at HMS VICTORY in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.

Overall, the ride managed to raise £20,000, which will go towards supporting military veterans and their families.

The charity supports those coming to terms with loss or injury as a result of recent conflicts and provides a care home to elderly veterans.

Speaking about the findings, Corinne Pluchino, executive director at SSAFA, said: “SSAFA could not deliver what it does without the immensely generous efforts of our supporters, such as those who took part in the Victory Ride and I’d like to thank them for their commitment and commend them for their stamina. 

"This is the first year for the Victory Ride, which was launched to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe. It will be an annual event, which will grow and we hope will tempt even more people next year."

A team of eight cyclists from BT's Openreach team alone managed to clock up over £14,500 between them, through company sponsorship and individual targets.

The event was also supported by local MPs from the area who congratulated the cyclists on completing the challenges.

Flick Drummond, Portsmouth South MP, added: "I was delighted to learn that the Victory Ride was to begin and end in Portsmouth, given the strong military connections that the city has enjoyed for hundreds of years. I look forward to this becoming a regular fixture in Portsmouth's calendar of events."