Annual ADS Charity Cycle raises more than £5,000 for good causes

Twelve cyclists from across the aerospace, defence, security and space industries have raised over £5,000 for three UK charities during the annual ADS Charity Cycle. Over five days, participants cycled from Belfast to Bristol, meeting beneficiaries along the route and seeing first-hand the difference their fundraising efforts will make.

Riding an average of 70 miles each day, participants journeyed through Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales and the South West of England, overcoming demanding climbs and testing weather conditions.

The challenge came to a close in Bristol on the fifth day, where cyclists were welcomed at RC Fornax’s Bristol office by colleagues, ADS members and charity partners, marking the completion of an impressive 334-mile fundraising effort.

The event raised funds for three charities:

• Combat Stress – providing specialist mental health treatment to veterans from every service and every conflict
• Ordinary to Extraordinary (O2e) – supporting children and young people with disabilities or life limiting conditions
• Air Ambulance Northern Ireland – bringing the most advanced level of pre-hospital care to the most seriously ill and injured people in Northern Ireland

The event was only possible due to the support of communities throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as industry sponsors TT Electronics plc and RC Fornax.

Ed Raggett, Director of ADS South West, said: “It was fantastic to see this year’s Charity Cycle Ride conclude in Bristol, a city at the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant aerospace, defence, security and space communities. The South West has a long history of innovation, engineering excellence and community spirit, making it the perfect place to bring this year’s ride to a close.

“Supporting the communities in which we live and work is something our sectors care deeply about, and it has been inspiring to see colleagues, members and partners come together in support of these three charities. We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts for these three charities through the many events and activities still to come this year.”