A TA unit’s fundraising cycle ride in memory of a fallen comrade hopes to net £4,000 for Veterans Aid.
Twenty-four members of 221 Field Squadron EOD (V) 101 Engineer Regiment RE clocked up 100 miles by cycling round every racetrack and go-cart track in Kent. They did it in six and a half hours. Afterwards Corporal Matt Emery said, “Everyone did brilliantly and, despite sore legs, had a whale of a time. ”
The exercise is an annual event in memory of Sapper Will Blanchard who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
Cpl Emery said, “Will was one of our soldiers, and someone I trained as a recruit, so it’s important to us each year to remember him appropriately by means of raising money for charity. This is what he would have wanted.”
This year’s recipient is Veterans Aid.
The event, dubbed ‘The Blanchard Grand Prix’, took place over 21/22 September and so far £1,176 has been collected.
“We’re still a bit off our target,” said Cpl Emery, “but we will continue to aim for what has been promised.
A shirt donated by League Two champions Gillingham Football Club is being sold on Ebay and whatever that sale raises will also go to VA.
Geoffrey Cardozo, on behalf of VA, said “Matt and Team 221 had a gruelling 48 hours raising funds for our homeless men and women; funds which will go far in helping them to regain their strength and self-esteem. I have been in contact with Matt for several months and I know just how much he has put into organising the ride – or more accurately the ‘rides’.
“A lot of admin was involved and getting people to rally round. Our veterans are really grateful and we very much look forward to hosting him here at our Drop-in Centre shortly”
As TA soldiers members of the unit work during the week but they hope soon to visit VA’s HQ to learn even more about the charity they chose to support this year.
