Since the early 1990s, we’ve had an association with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) where we’ve supported wounded, injured and sick service personnel.
That support has included the DMRC Benevolent Fund. It’s a volunteer-run charity providing opportunities for serving military patients not provided by public funding. The aim is to provide forward-thinking and innovative therapy ideas.
We’ve seen first-hand how our clients have benefitted from the rehabilitation therapies administered by dedicated specialist staff devoted to this cause.
We’ve previously helped with the charity’s 30:30 team race with team members carrying 30lbs over 30 miles. So we were excited to learn about the cycle fundraising adventure called Pedal To The Principality.
A group of riders aimed to ride 943 miles from the DMRC’s site at Stanford Hall to Monaco, starting on 1 April and taking around nine days to complete the course. The proposed route climbed a total of over 40,000ft of elevation, including the Alps, with the last section being from Barreme to Monaco.
We were privileged to support the ride, and have our logo feature alongside other sponsors on the riding kit.
The launch took place early on a chilly morning at Stanford. Eighteen riders, accompanied by three support staff in two vehicles rode out to a military fanfare and cheering crowds, including one of our military team colleagues.
Due to COVID-19, not all riders could make it. But the group did include former Olympic cyclist Bryan Steel, our former client and trustee of the charity Craig Haslam, and fellow trustee Lieutenant Colonel Tim “Nobby” Clarke, the professional lead advisor for physiotherapy at Stanford.
Support along the way lifted the spirits, as did the stop at fellow sponsors Pilgrim Brewery. A photocall at the RAF Museum London also helped, as the riders battled lack of sleep, minus 6 degrees temperatures, and some navigation issues sending the support team off route. It was all worth it, as the purple peloton were cheered on to the finish line in Monaco, raising much-needed funds for DMRC.
Craig Haslam, who’s also CEO of D3A Defence, was keen to praise the team effort after the challenge:
“The Pedal to the Principality ride was a huge event for 95% of the riders who’d never ridden 943 miles previously. Most cyclists train for a peak event each year, which would normally be a single 100-mile ride. This team has just successfully competed in 9 of those on consecutive days, and on challenging terrain.
“The support, camaraderie, humour, and stories throughout the event made all riders feel part of the team. We all worked together to achieve the collective aim of raising awareness and funds for the DMRC Benevolent Fund.
“Credit goes to each and every rider who had their own personal reason for supporting the ride. They can sit back now, probably on a cushion, and reflect on a successful mission.
“Well done to all riders and people who’ve donated. This’ll go a long way to supporting the injured serving personnel who’ll benefit from all the kindness.”
Further reading
Back to Military in Focus
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
