Pedalling with purpose raises £85,000 for Veterans’ Foundation

A group of cyclists including Aspire Defence Ltd’s Lead Technical Surveyor Austin Fews has raised £85,000 for the Veterans’ Foundation charity.

The extraordinary challenge saw the group, which also included colleagues from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and industry partners, cycle 300km through historic Flanders Fields.

The ride passed through poignant landmarks including Ypres and the Menin Gate, where the team paid tribute to the fallen. In all, around one million soldiers lost their lives in Flanders Fields during the First World War.

Together, participants have raised an incredible £85,122 for the Veterans’ Foundation – smashing last year’s total by almost £30,000.

Every pound will go towards funding vital projects that support members of the Armed Forces community, including mental health support, housing assistance, and rehabilitation programmes.

After the ride, Austin Fews said:

“It was a remarkable experience and a real test of my mental and physical strength, so I am truly delighted by the total amount that has been raised.

“It will go towards projects that make a genuine difference to people who have served and I am proud to have helped raise such a staggering amount.”

Mike Green, Chief Executive of DIO, who led the ride, said:

“I’m truly humbled by what has been achieved and I thank all the cyclists who joined me on this amazing journey. Their commitment was invaluable. To everyone who contributed to this worthy cause, thanks to your generosity, we’ve reached an incredible fundraising total.”

Austin’s participation in the event reflects not only a personal commitment to remembrance, but also a shared drive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Veterans’ Foundation ambassador Mark Ormrod MBE, a former Royal Marines Commando and Invictus Games athlete, shared a personal thank you to everyone who took part, recognising the team’s dedication and the impact of their efforts.

He said:

“I know a thing or two about pushing past pain, pushing through limits and giving everything that you’ve got to reach your goals. From me and from every veteran who has ever had to find the strength to keep going, especially when it felt impossible, thank you. You have cycled through history. You have helped to change lives. And now you’re helping to build a better future for our veterans and our armed forces community.”

The Veterans’ Foundation has funded 537 charities and delivered 1,355 projects since its inception in 2016, a total of £32 million in grants.