Newport poppy riders ready for tough two-day challenge
A former serviceman has organised a tough fundraising challenge to support the Poppy Appeal.
Ian Kevan BEM and fellow cyclists were setting off on a 90-mile ride from Newport to Pen y Pass cafe today (Fri) followed by a walk or jog up Snowdon, finishing with a 90-mile ride back to Newport tomorrow, which is Armed Forces Day.
Each team member will be introduced by Newport Junior Town Crier Lee Storey, with the town mayor Tim Nelson starting the first group.
Large poppies will be attached to the bikes supplied by Ann Whitfield, Poppy Appeal organiser for Newport (Shropshire) & District.
Around 22 cyclists will be taking part in The Poppy Appeal Ultra Nova Challenge and an additional 40-mile bike loop has been offered to those not wishing to go up Snowdon.
Ian, who served in the RAF and was a training instructor, now runs Ultrasport in the town and is a member of Nova Raiders Cycling Club in Newport.
He said the club had raised more than £45,000 for good causes, including forces charity Help for Heroes, since it started seven years ago and is aiming to hit the £50,000 mark this year.
It is hoped plenty of people will turn out to support the cyclists along the route.
The event was first held last year to celebrate Armed Forces Day and the centenary of the First World War and raised £5,500. The challenge was starting from The Guildhall in High Street at 9pm with the riders setting off in groups every ten minutes, returning to the same location on Saturday at around 5pm.
Team 1 is Ian Kevan,Nick Hitchman, Sue Pugh, Gareth Morris, Jane Chapman, Paul Jackman, Glyn Hesbrook, John Taylor, Ian Vann, Michelle Jones, Simon Jones and Cath Willhurst with support driver Richard Kevan.
Team 2 is Simon Broad, Tim Roberts, Nick Allcock, Gary Wade, Rob Alderson, Glyn Grice, Dave Allcock, Michael Tomkinson, Andy Hodgkinson and John Preece with driver Gary Bowes.
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