Help for Heroes 2013 Hero Ride

Help for Heroes are today calling for support from the Great British public to line the streets of The Mall in London to welcome in the brave participants of Hero Ride in support of our wounded heroes who have suffered life-changing injuries or illness whilst in Service.

Hero Ride 2013, taking place on Sunday 02 June 2013, will see cyclists from all corners of the country stage fundraising bike rides, meet on mass in Blackheath and ride together in to central London.

Led by the biggest cohort of wounded veterans and service personnel from the UK, USA and Canada, Hero Ride is aiming to raise millions for Help for Heroes from the challenge, which gained a ringing endorsement from the Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry during the recent opening of the Help for Heroes funded Tedworth House Recovery Centre in Wiltshire.

Jon-Allan Butterworth, an Iraq veteran who lost his arm during a mortar attack in 2007 and subsequent Paralympic silver medallist, is joining the ride again this year having completed the inaugural Help for Heroes Ride in 2008.

He said: “The annual Help for Heroes Ride is a fantastic opportunity to raise much needed funds for an extremely worthy cause. I took part in the very first ride in 2008 and it was partly what inspired me to get into cycling. This is my opportunity to give back to my wounded comrades and if I can maybe inspire more guys to get on bikes and enjoy all that cycling has to offer then it will be a great success.”

The event will take in some of London’s most iconic landmarks before 1,500 cyclists ride in formation through The Mall and culminate at Horse Guards Parade.

Help for Heroes Patron and Hero Ride participant, singer James Blunt, said: “Hero Ride will be a fantastic achievement for all involved with participants ranging from Help for Heroes supporters, family and friends of our troops and the wounded soldiers themselves.

“This will be an incredibly special day, and likely emotional day, for all involved with some participants riding all the way from Paris to cross the finish line with the huge mass of cyclists on 02 June.

“It is crucial that support for our troops continues in to the future and Hero Ride is a fantastic way to show your support and thanks to the many men and women who put their lives on the line for their country. If you’re not riding, please come along to The Mall on Sunday 02 June to fundraise and cheer on our heroes.”

The millions raised from Hero Ride will provide vital support for those who have suffered severe injuries or become ill in recent conflicts and their families, for life.

Bryn Parry, Co-Founder & CEO of Help for Heroes said: “There has been an extraordinary public reaction to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby last week. For many, that desire to show support has been focused on doing good to counter the bad. Help for Heroes has been the unexpected focus of this national outpouring of support.

“This year’s annual bike ride will see hundreds of cyclists finish on the streets of London in the biggest national demonstration of support for our wounded heroes. The funds raised will be used to support those who have already given so much on our behalf.

“We are asking anyone who can, to join us in London on 02 June, line the route and demonstrate your dignified respect and long term commitment to those who serve and risk all on our behalf. Those who have been affected in the line of duty may be young now but they will grow old and will need our support long after the wars have ended.

“With the withdrawal from Afghanistan drawing closer, it is easy to think the job is over but actually the battle has just begun. Challenges such as this allow our support to continue, for life.”

Help for Heroes are encouraging supporters to line The Mall from 13:00 on Sunday 02 June to celebrate the event and the achievements of those involved.

For anyone wishing to donate to the Hero Ride, text ‘RIDE’ to 70900 to donate £5 to Help for Heroes. You will be charged £5 plus your standard network rate. Mobile Text Telephone helpline: 01494 750 500.