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Our biggest fundraiser, former Royal Engineers Sergeant Steve Craddock MBE, will lead from the front in June, when the fundraising bike ride he organises, Cycle4Heroes, returns after a two-year hiatus.

Craddock, 64, from Chatham, has raised more than £500,000 for the Charity since 2009, and will get back into the saddle once again for this year’s event on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, 25 June, for a ride which has, sadly, been in abeyance for the last two years owing to the pandemic.

The new 47-mile route offers some teasing climbs, fast flats, and stunning scenery. It starts at the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham, before heading out along the coast towards Faversham, and returning via the North Kent Downs.

Steve Craddock where he likes to be: in the saddle (courtesy Ma
Steve Craddock where he likes to be: in the saddle (courtesy Mark Dawson)

Craddock said: “We are delighted to be back after a two-year break, and we are pleased to have new sponsors on board to support us and help us raise vital funds for Help for Heroes. This is a cycle ride where no one gets left behind; we support everyone and make sure everyone gets around the route and finishes with a smile on their face. We are once again finishing late afternoon as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Great Lines Park, Chatham.

“I would urge anyone who likes to cycle, or is new to cycling, to come along and join in to help raise much needed funds for our wounded soldiers – those with physical or psychological scars from their service. Every single penny raised from this event goes to Help for Heroes.”

The ride is sponsored by Maidstone and Gravesend-based Gullands Solicitors and is open to any rider aged 16 or over, with an entry fee of £30. Individual riders are asked to raise a minimum additional sponsorship of £50, while corporate teams are welcome to join for a fee of £300 for up to six riders.

Steve Craddock, on his bike taking part in BBBR
Steve Craddock raising funds from the saddle - Steve Creddock

There is also the chance for the highest individual fundraisers to win either a £700 credit to spend on cycling equipment courtesy of the Bike Warehouse, in Gillingham, or a comprehensive bike fit-out worth £350 from Ben-efit Performance’s Bike-fit Studio, in Orpington.

Help for Heroes’ area fundraising manager, John Carpenter, said: “‘Geordie’ is a legend at the charity and never fails to astonish us with his enthusiasm and dynamism. His ‘just do it’ attitude has been an inspiration, not only to his fellow veterans, but also those of us who work for Help for Heroes. Once more we find ourselves expressing our gratitude to him for his efforts in our cause.”

John Roberts, managing partner at Gullands Solicitors, added: “We are very pleased to be supporting Steve and the Cycle4Heroes ride. It is a great event and brings together the cycling community – from amateurs to more experienced riders and those with disabilities both physical and hidden.

“This is a great ride for anyone new to cycling, especially those who have started over the last couple of years. Come along and experience the thrill of riding on some of the most picturesque parts of Medway and Kent.”

To register for the ride or for more details visit cycle4heroes.com.

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