Francie Clarkson jumps on her saddle and encourages you to support Blesma, The Limbless Veterans

1 October 2013

Jeremy Clarkson’s manager and wife Francie encourages you to come out and support 30 wounded military personnel as they undertake an iconic bike ride across the south east of England with a historical military charity.

Francie Clarkson will join the riders on the last day of SR UK which will see injured service men and women from Britain and the US tackle 250 miles over 6 days starting on Sunday 6 October.

Setting off from Windsor Castle, the cyclists will tackle between 30 – 50 miles a day, culminating in a ‘victory lap’ from Horse Guards Parade to the Tower of London on Friday 11 October.

Francie, who has been Jeremy’s manager for 20 years, will join the riders as they ride past BBC’s Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome on the last day.

She is the daughter of Major Robert Henry Cain VC. He served with the South Staffordshire Regiment in WW2 and was awarded a VC for his bravery in the Battle of Arnhem. She has been associated with the support of wounded service personnel for a number of years.

Francie, who is a mother of three, says: “I have only recently taken up cycling and, if I’m honest, am naturally more predisposed to watching people’s sporting endeavours from the safety of my arm chair. But when I was offered the opportunity to get on my bike and get involved with Blesma’s inspiring bike ride, how could I refuse?

SR UK is a perfect occasion to engage with our trans-Atlantic counterparts, and a great excuse to get on a bike and enjoy the stunning backdrop of the English countryside.

The riders, many on adapted cycles and hand bikes, will take enormous encouragement from the support you can offer by lining the road-side and cheering them on. So, whether it’s a sneaky break from work, your day off, or you happen to have a few spare minutes to kill, do come out with family and friends and become a part of Blesma’s glorious heritage!”

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans was born as a result of The Great War of 1914, and has continued to support service men and women to look beyond their injury and live fulfilling lives.

Formerly known as Soldier Ride, Blesma has run the event in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project in the US for three years now.

The riders, including many amputees with some on adapted bicycles or hand bikes, will cycle past some of the most iconic locations of military interest, including Battle Abbey, the site of the historical 1066 Battle of Hastings and Arundel Castle which was damaged in the English Civil War (now fully restored).

The bike ride is fully risk assessed and will have medical cover. It will be supported by motorbike marshals and have adapted coaches to drive cyclists between locations. The accommodation is fully equipped for the needs of the participants.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

For more information on SR UK, please visit www.blesma.org/SR_2013

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below

Francie Clarkson on her bike /media/72486/Francie-Clarkson.jpg

SR UK logo /media/66190/SRUK-logo.jpg

About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex service men and women, their widows and dependants. It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.

Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has over 4000 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

About SR UK

SR UK (Sunday 6 October – Friday 11 October) will see 30 wounded military personnel from the US and the UK come together to cycle across the South Downs. Due to their injuries, many of the riders will be on adapted cycles and hand bikes. The riders will set off from Windsor Castle and take in some iconic locations including Battle Abbey, Arundel Castle and culminate the ride in a ‘victory lap’ from Horse Guards Parade to the Tower of London.

Back to News