Care after Combat has once again embarked on an ambitious bike ride fundraiser, aiming to raise awareness and support for veterans in custody!
Following last year’s success across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Humberside, this year’s challenge took the team on a 190-mile route across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.
Over two days, participants visited 13 prisons, spreading the word about the critical work Care after Combat does for veterans.
A Two-Day Journey Across Four Counties
The ride began early on the 7th of September 2024 and concluded late in the evening on the 8th of September 2024.
The team managed to make nine prison visits on the first day, including stops at Stoke Heath, Drake Hall, Stafford, Brinsford, Featherstone, Oakwood, Dovegate, Sudbury, and Foston Hall.
Highlights included a warm welcome from staff at Stoke Heath and Featherstone, with the latter’s print shop even creating a special banner for the occasion and providing the team with much-needed supplies!
On the second day, the riders began their route at the National Memorial Arboretum, covering another five prisons—Leicester, Fosse Way, Gartree (via the aptly named Cardiac Hill), Onley, and Rye Hill.
The intense two-day ride was not only a physical challenge but also a powerful statement of solidarity, as veterans in custody participated in parallel challenges within prison gyms, aiming to match the progress made by the riders.
Conclusion and Thanks
This year’s event marks the third consecutive year of the Care after Combat bike ride fundraiser.
The event’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the riders to the prison staff who offered their support along the way.
Special thanks go out to HM Prison and Probation Service and the BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation for making this challenge possible.
The Care after Combat bike ride continues to be a beacon of support and encouragement for veterans, fostering a sense of community and solidarity that extends beyond the justice system.
For more information about Care after Combat and how you can support our mission, visit our website here.
Thank you,
The Care after Combat Team