CEOs and executives from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and some of its partners and suppliers have raised more than £55,000 for the Veterans’ Foundation through a sponsored cycle ride across northern France.
DIO Chief Executive, Mike Green, led a group of bike enthusiasts on a four-day ride around historic monuments, battle sites and cemeteries, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day this summer.
Among the sites visited were the beaches of Normandy, Pegasus Bridge, and Merville Battery. The group also paid their respects at British, American, and Canadian cemeteries, and paused in silent reflection to lay a wreath at Ranville Cemetery.
Ranville was the first village liberated in France in the early hours of D-Day, 6th June 1944, by troops who landed nearby by parachute and glider.
“This effort cannot be underestimated. I know it was a challenging ride, comprising many miles and through some changeable weather,” said Veterans’ Foundation CEO and founder, retired Major General, David Shaw.
“Time is such a valuable commodity, so to have so many busy people generously undertake this gruelling task, in their own time in the summer, and raise an amazing amount of money on our behalf, is humbling.
“I know I speak for the whole armed forces community when I thank the cyclists for their undertaking and for raising £50,000 for us to donate to the charities that provide such vital support.”
DIO Chief Executive, Mike Green, said: “A huge thank you to all the cyclists from Amey, Arcadis, Aspire Defence, Balfour Beatty, Kier, Reds 10, VIVO Defence Services, and Wates. To everyone who contributed, whether through our JustGiving page or directly to the charity, your generosity has helped us reach this significant milestone of more than £55,000.”
