Military veterans set off from London on RBL's annual Pedal to Paris cycle
More than 70 cyclists have set off from London, taking part in the Royal British Legion's (RBL) annual cycle fundraiser to Paris.
The challenge, named 'Pedal to Paris', will see veterans, RBL staff and supporters make the 284-mile journey to the French capital.
Two of those taking part in the cycle are Fiona and Bill Fisk, the parents of Sergeant Rachel Fisk, who died in a parachute accident in 2021.
'Focus on something positive'
The Fisks are taking part in Pedal to Paris for the first time, alongside their 49/8 team, in memory of their daughter.
They said that this September, they wanted to "focus on something positive".
"Fundraising has been humbling, in that so many of our friends and relatives have been able to donate to this worthy cause," they said.
"After Rachel died, we were grateful for the support provided by the Royal British Legion, who invited us to the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and a remembrance ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum when Rachel's name was engraved on the wall."
After travelling through Kent, those taking part will cross at Dover before passing through Calais, Abbeville and Beauvais.
The route will finish at Les Invalides, the historic landmark in Paris originally built to care for veterans and famous for being the burial site of Napoleon Bonaparte.
A service of remembrance at the Arc de Triomphe on 9 September will mark the conclusion of the event.
Making a difference
Another rider in this year's event is Bob Clark, who this year lost his nephew Chris, a British Army reservist, as they were preparing to take on their second Pedal to Paris together.
"The Royal British Legion is a fantastic organisation, and I hope my taking part in Pedal to Paris makes a difference in some small way," he said.
"Anyone that had the good fortune to meet my nephew, Chris, will remember him for his kindness and willingness to help others.
"The thought of doing another Royal British Legion's Pedal to Paris filled him with excitement and he was thrilled to be taking part."
Now in its 28th year, Pedal to Paris continues to be the longest-running charity bike ride, raising a total of £8.7m to help the UK Armed Forces community.
'Beacon of light'
Charlie Ridley, a Royal Marines and Army veteran became a war-disabled pensioner at the age of 21 after sustaining severe injuries and PTSD while serving in Northern Ireland.
For more than 40 years, the RBL has supported Charlie, with him referring to the charity as his "beacon of light".
"Raising money by cycling to Paris is the very least I can do to repay the support they have given to me and thousands of other veterans through the years."
The donations received from Pedal to Paris help ensure the RBL can continue its vital work, helping support veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Money raised by the event helps the RBL to continue supporting British veterans around the country.
Teresa Greener, celebrity and cultivation event manager at the Royal British Legion, said it's great to see the challenge return in 2024.
"We are so grateful to the riders who have been training hard and fundraising over the past few months, as well as our network of supporters, who help ensure the Royal British Legion can continue supporting and celebrating our Armed Forces community."
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