Seven Gosport Submarine Association Veterans and Associates with a combined age of 515 years will cycle 100 miles across the challenging South Downs between 17-19 April to raise much-needed funds for Veterans Outreach Support.
You can help them not just hit their £2,000 target, but smash it by visiting their JustGiving page here.
By donating, you’ll enable VOS – funded exclusively by generous grants and donations – to continue and expand their vital work helping and supporting local Veterans, their families and carers. While VOS recently celebrated their 15th anniversary, every bit of support counts in ensuring their resources will always be there for our Veterans.
Meet the cyclists
The determined group of cyclists comprises Submarine Veterans Hector MacCallum (77), Peter Davies (79), John Buffery (78), Ron Gordon (77), and Associate Members Ian French (61), Kevin Ayton (65) and Peter Mullice (78).
Since January, this team of septuagenarian Veterans have been putting in some pretty hardcore training by completing challenging hilly rides around the Gosport area. One team member even tackled some serious rides during his holidays in Australia.
They’re facing quite the challenge. The youngest member of the team is 61, and the route – from Winchester to Eastbourne – features rough terrain, sharp inclines and potentially harsh weather conditions… alongside other considerable physical and mental challenges. So, your donations will provide them with a huge incentive!
VOS and the Gosport Branch
Gosport and its neighbours Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have the UK’s highest recorded percentage of Veterans. Since being founded in 2008, VOS’ consistent provision of welfare, wellbeing, and clinical services to UK Armed Forces and Merchant Navy Veterans led to them becoming a registered charity in 2013.
That’s why the Gosport Branch Chairman has chosen to directly support VOS with this epic cycle race. Your donations can help to not only motivate the seven intrepid cyclists, but directly sustain an irreplaceable community organisation that Veterans truly need and value.
Please donate!
Encouragingly, the team are already nearing their target – but your support is earnestly requested to not only reach their £2,000 goal, but exceed it!
Fundraising organiser Ronald Gordon said, “It’s only 3 weeks to go until our SDW challenge and, despite the awful weather, the team are getting in the miles and hills. Even Kevin, who is on a cruise, is doing many spinning classes.
We have also had a bit of puncture repair training on one of the rides. Thanks to all who have donated as it does give us all a boost when we think how generous you all have been.”
We thank you sincerely for your support and hope you’ll join us in promoting the team’s incredible physical feat to enable VOS’ continued success.
Visit the JustGiving page here – and don’t forget to tell your friends!
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
