A VETERAN has cycled almost 1,000 miles to raise money for an Armed Forces charity.
Paul Robinson, of Preston, Weymouth, took on the epic fundraising trip with his partner Joanne Bridle and 22 other cycling fanatics across Kent, up through Cambridge and onto the Peak District before reaching the Scottish border.
The 52-year-old set off from Dover on Armed Forces Day, on June 26, at the start of his almost 1,000 miles trip and finally reached Durness, in North West Scotland, on July 8.
Paul, was a Supply Controller with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Royal Logistics Corps between 1985 and 1998, serving in Germany, Cyprus, Canada, Belize and the former Yugoslavia.
From there they headed up the west coast of Scotland, island hopping through Arran, Mull and Skye, before following the north coast route all the way to Durness.
Paul, now a senior Technical Account Manager for VMware UK, and his colleagues decided to select the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) as their chosen charity to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The charity has special significance for Paul’s mum, Patricia Robinson, who received considerable help from the charity when his stepfather, David, died in 2005, following 22 years’ service with the Royal Military Police.
After Paul's stepfather died, Patricia received both financial support and advice from SSAFA.
Paul said: “The trip went really well and there were no major hitches. Cycling long distances back to back each day was tough, especially the hill climbs, but the fantastic scenery took our minds off it.”
“Having the chance to raise money for SSAFA, which does so much to help serving and ex-servicemen and women and their families, more than makes up for us being saddle sore.”
“Thanks to everyone who’s backed my trip, both in practical terms and by donating.
“So far, the total stands at nearly £1,000 but it would be great to top that – especially since my employers VMware have generously agreed to match the final total.”
To donate to Paul's fundraiser visit justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-robinson151
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