Exeter Cyclists Saddle up for 100 mile Cycle Ride and raise over £2,000 for Limbless Veterans

11 June 2015

A team of five cyclists have raised over £2,000 by completing a gruelling 100 mile cycle challenge in just 11 hours in aid of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans last week as part of the charity's annual 'Blesma Week' fundraising and awareness initiative.

The challenge was organised by Rob Chatfield, Managing Director of OpCare, the largest provider of prosthetic services to the NHS in the UK and led by Dereck Cutler of DC Cycleworks of Milverton, Somerset.

On Wednesday 3 June, Rob set off from the Exeter Mobility Centre along with colleagues and supporters including Blesma Member Jez Scarratt, and Blesma Prosthetics Officer Brian Chenier, to cycle 100 miles to the Bristol Centre of Enablement, via Cheddar Gorge.

Rob said, “The ride itself was tough, but pleasant and it was great to be guided by Dereck Cutler, a friend of Blesma and joined by Mr Jez Scarratt, a Blesma Member. The support we gave each other throughout the day was brilliant and Jez and Dereck helped keep us at the right pace and on the right route.”

Brian Chenier, Blesma Supporter Officer who also joined the ride said, “I am glad that Rob Chatfield asked me to join him on this challenge. Working for Blesma I get to see first-hand the difference this kind of fundraising event can make. I cycle for leisure so achieving the “100 mile in a day” was a personal goal.”

The money raised from this challenge will go towards Blesma’s vital work supporting injured veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

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.

 

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

L-R Jez Scarrett, Dereck Cutler, Dominic Hannett (OpCare Clinical Director), Brian Chenier (BSO Prosthetics at Blesma), Rob Chatfield (OpCare Managing Director): /media/327366/11336861_1099990363349364_540401862465182749_o.jpg

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