Mark issues call to enter charity event in aid of benevolent fund

Adventurer Mark Beaumont has backed an event designed to raise crucial cash for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The round- the- world recordbreaking cyclist, a former Crieff Highland Gathering chieftain and Glenalmond resident, is supporting the Dambusters Ride – which is due to take place in Lincolnshire over two weekends in May.

Participants will tackle a 60- mile virtual ride across May 7 and 8, as well as an in-person Heritage Ride stretching for 100 miles on May 14.

The event pays tribute to the

Dambusters, members of the RAF’s 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley on the night of May 16 and 17, 1943.

Also known as Operation Chastise, it saw the ‘bouncing bomb’ dropped at low level.

The cost was high as, of the 133 crew who left, only 53 returned.

Mark said: “The Royal Air Force has always held a special place in my heart – as a teenager I was an air cadet and had some fantastic experiences flying, and I had plans to join the RAF until my teenage adventures evolved into my full-time career.

“It’s so important to support charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund who do so much for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

“I wholeheartedly encourage any keen cyclists to sign up for the Dambusters Ride, a challenge that combines endurance cycling and history while raising money for a very worthy cause.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families.

To register, see www.rafbf.org.