CSDST NEWS

MARCH 2015

1–10 March – IPC World Championships            
Mick Brennan & Jennifer Kehoe (guide to Millie Knight) named from CSDST for the World Champs.  Brennan didn’t have the best build up to the World Champs.  In the speed races leading up to the competition he had a big crash that set him back and ultimately prevented him from taking his place in the start hut for the WCH Speed events.  He did start in the technical events but failed to finish in either the GS or Slalom.  Jen Kehoe and Millie knight had a great Champs. 

They claimed the silver medal in the Giant Slalom and the bronze in the Slalom. 

2–19 March – Level 4 Training Camp, Stubai     
Whilst the World Champs were on in Canada, our Performance Team were hard at work in Austria training for the end of season National Championships. They started off on the Schlick 2000 in Fulpmes, gettng some great steep terrain training in, but a lack of snow on the training slope forced them back up to the Stubai Glacier.  Whilst there the team spent a great deal of time concentrating on more challenging GS and Slalom courses on steeper terrain in preparation for the end of season National Champs races. 

The guys had a strict regime each day including early morning stretching and foam rolling programmes, warm ups on the slope (whilst the coaches set the day’s training courses) and warm downs on the static bike before rolling and stretching off once more.  The evening’s work didn’t stop there, skis had to be routinely waxed and edged and after dinner they had the review of the day followed by the goal setting for the next day.  It was a tough camp with the guys doing a 5-one-4-one-5 day on/off programme. They managed to book the off days when the weather was at its worst and benefited from immaculate conditions for most of the camp.  It was a real treat to have Shona Brownlee along with the Performance team for 2 weeks, she has shown amazing potential.

7–28 March – Army Snowboard Championships          
Owen Pick was due to go to 2 World Cup competitions, straight from the previous month’s World champs in Spain, but they were cancelled at the last minute.  This left Owen with a gap in his programme; he filled it constructively by joining the Army Snowboard programme in Stubai, Austria where he got quality training with his able bodied counterparts.  A decision was made to keep Owen at the Army Champs rather than going over to the British Champs in Tignes, France.  The training and competition opportunities in Austria far outweighed the benefits of entering the National Champs event.  At the National Champs he could only compete in one event where as at the Army’s he competed, for experience only, in a full 21 day programme.  Owen unfortunately crashed out in the Parallel Giant Slalom but finished a very respectable 8th in the Boarder cross.  The final event was the freestyle, this is not a Paralympic event but it does give great cross training, but Owen was forced to retire, after qualifying 5th, because of an injured stump.  It was great to see Owen wearing the CSDST jacket at the Army Champs.

17 March – Combined Services Sports Awards          
CSDST Head Coach Mark Scorgie was awarded the CS Sports Official of the Year award for his part in developing the CSDST programme and contribution to the ParalympicsGB team in Sochi.

18 March – DSUK Para-Snowball              
Jennifer Kehoe and Mark Scorgie attended the Para-Snowball and enjoyed a night in the company of TV presenters John Inverdale and John Gould but perhaps more importantly they got to hobnob with Pippa Middleton’s bum.

20–22 March – Austrian National Championships   
John Kirk continued his speed racing at The Austrian Nationals Super Combined, giving him a chance to put into practice the training he did in February with John Clark.  They were held in the same place that the RAF Champs are held: Saalbach-Hinterglem, conveniently for Kirk!  He finished 15th in the Combi and a respectable 14th in the Super G.  The latter gave him a personal season best result for points and confirmed his speed points for the year.  In the GS Jamie Weller and his guide Adam Coulson tested their GS skis in anger for the first time this season. The pair crossed the line and put their first GS result under their belts.  More importantly they started to devise plans on how to go faster and create better results in the future.  Ollie Thorn got himself all wrapped up coming off the excessively steep start ramp and struggled to get his bodyweight back.  This fired him off the course backwards and marked the end of the race for him.  Kirk bagged 12th and a PB points wise, confirming the training he had been doing was paying off.  In the Slalom Ollie had a similar situation and learnt that slalom backwards does not spell ‘molals’ it spells OUCH and a bent ski.  Kirk rapidly came to terms with the quick reactive technique required for slalom skiing finishing 11th whilst JW & AC managed to podium in second place with around 460 points (well under the 500 expected in the first season).  The pair later found out that they had come 2nd in the GS too but had not been awarded trophy, as they only awarded the Austrian racers, for their efforts

28–29 March – Italian National Championships   
The last races of the season took place in the Trentino resort of Folgaria, Italy.  Slalom was the first event and also saw the return of Grant Harvey to the slopes.  Grant, John and Jamie Weller put in outstanding performances.  They all scored personal bests and gave us two top 10 results, with GH in 8th and JK in 9th, and a bronze placed podium with JW&AC.  Unfortunately Ollie took a nasty tumble on the way to the start and had to get blood bucketed off.  This took some time as the Gendarmerie (Military Police), that were manning the piste security, seemed a little less keen to operate in comparison to our own RMP (much to Grants Harvey’s annoyance).  The GS on the final day saw Weller & Co snaffle another silver medal, in only his second ever GS, and confirm his GS points below 500 for the season.  It also saw JK and GH score their season’s best results with 6th and 7th, respectively.  If that wasn’t enough, they both scored the best GS IPCAS points of their careers so far.  This has put the dynamic duo well on course to qualify for the National Team, according to current criteria, during next season. Ollie was unable to continue due to a bashed up shoulder but he will be fine and raring to go again soon. 

The guys definitely left the best to last and have wrapped up a very successful season in style.


DECEMBER 2014

Pitztal IPCAS Races - Coach's Report

We left Veysonnaz, Switzerland after a slightly disappointing slalom race, but very positive experience and GS results, and headed around the Alps to Pitztal in Austria for the next leg of the IPCAS circuit. 

John Kirk and Grant Harvey were set to compete alongside Mick Brennan, in two Super G races the following day. Unfortunately for Grant, the same injury that had prevented him from competing the slalom in Veysonnaz, forced him to withdraw from the two speed races. JK had two solid starts and managed to slice a whopping 26% off his previous Super G points. Mick crashed out of the first Super G but came back, with some steady skiing in the 2nd race to finish 4th.

The next day saw the the first of two Giant Slaloms.  Ollie Thorn was on the start list with a new, more aggressive approach to his skiing, after his two DNFs in Veysonnaz.  Kirk and Harvey both continued to work on delivering the skills they have developed in the pre-race training block and it was starting to pay off.  John knocked another 17% off his GS points and Grant, still injured, put in a steady tester run to see how his leg would hold up. It worked well so he went full gas in the 2nd run.

The second GS saw Kirky score the same points, confirming where he is on his development right now, but Grant pushed it harder than the previous day and was rewarded with some very good race points.  Mick Brennan took 7th in the 2nd GS but more importantly he scored the required points to secure his place on the World Cup GS circuit for the rest of this season. 

We also had interest in the ladies visually impaired race with our own Jennifer Kehoe competing as the guide to Millie Knight. Team 'K' won both Giant Slaloms and put the fear of God into the watching European Cup skiers, that had assembled for the the following race series, when they started to assess their times. If that wasn't enough, they too scored the points required for World Cup starts. 

This early winter campaign has been a great success. All the athletes have achieved personal best results and, more importantly, have confirmed the areas that require work and a course of action to rectify faults or improve on.  The programme is working well and we are looking forward to our next races, 2 x slaloms, in Rinn (Innsbruck) at the start of January, then onto our next training block.

The guys are battered and bruised. They are mentally and physicslly exhausted but they are proud of their acheivements so far. They have put themselves through one hell of build up to these races and are just hanging in there.  Even though we had a €10 Secret Santa, I think they have earned themselves a decent break for Christmas and a chance to go home and see their families...and wash their humming kit...before heading out again in the new year.

Scorge



SEPTEMBER 2014

The Invictus Games

There are many atheletes competing at the Invictus Games who have spent time with the CSDST.  Congratulations to them all but especially to Jaco van Gass with two Gold medals on the cycle track; Grant Harvey, part of the Gold Medal winning British Rugby Team; Andy Grant - two gold medals on the running track - more results to come....


The Ride of Thrones

Following on from the success of the paralympics at Sochi, we are now fundraising with the help of Selex ES, through The Ride of Thrones, a sponsored cycle ride from Edinburgh to the Tower of London.

DAY 1 - 3rd September - Edinburgh to Peebles

Team interviews with BFBS

The support team arrived at the Ross Fountain in West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh at around 11am ready to set up and make sure all the riders were good to go for the 3pm start.
 
Apprentices from the Edinburgh Selex ES site at Crewe Toll were on hand to help out with some extra fundraising by selling wristbands and badges around the city centre.
 
Whilst the riders and support team were getting prepared, sorting out kit, getting fed and hydrated the operator of the carousel in the Gardens suggested that everybody should have a go of the ride with all the funds going to CSDST. 
 
Group photos out of the way and the day’s brief given the riders geared up and after hearing a rousing speech from Lynda McVay, Head of HR Selex ES UK, they were raring to go.
 




Day 2   - 4th September - Peebles to Hadrian's Wall

Day 2 began with a big breakfast in the hotel with all the riders eating plenty for the hard day ahead.
 
With most of the support vehicles heading off before breakfast to get food for the four stops throughout the day the riders split off into smaller groups at the front of the hotel ready to start the day’s ride.
 
Apart from Mick Brennan, who had to retire after 30miles due to the gear cable snapping on his bicycle, all of the CSDST completed the day’s tough ride in great time even beating some of the Selex ES riders to the finish!
 
With Mick in the support van for the afternoon it gave some of the local press in Langholm an opportunity to meet him and hear about his life experiences in both the Army, his time so far in the CSDST and his international skiing accomplishments including competing in 2014 Winter Paralympic Games scoring multiple top ten results.




Throughout the day the whole Ride of Thrones teams had massive support from the public and wherever they stop locals always come up to them for a quick chat to find out about the ride and CSDST with lots of donations being collected along the way. Today two local businesses very kindly supported the team. Morrisons Garage and Bike Shop donated some spares to help repair Mick’s bicycle, and Richard Skeet even re-opened his shop in the afternoon and donated some batteries for heart rate monitors.

Day 3 - 5th September - Hadrian's Wall to Leeming Bar

Today’s route would be the hardest for the riders, as after a tough day before the hill climbs would continue into the afternoon today adding to the strain and tiredness of every rider. Following a rider spread of over two hours on day two most of the quicker riders chose to leave slightly after other riders to close the gap up. CSDST rider Mick Brennan was able to ride in the afternoon after Dan Rose, the team mechanic, managed to repair his hand bicycle.
 
During the afternoon all of the riders stopped in at Phoenix House to top up on water, have a rest and talk to some of the staff at the centre. They were all impressed by the facilities that are available for those in need of support. Phoenix House is one of five recovery centres run by Help for Heroes and supported by the Royal British Legion and is part of the UK’s Defence Recovery Capability. Opened in 2011 it was purpose built with state of the art facilities and dedicated staff to help those who have suffered life altering injuries or illnesses whilst serving our country and enable them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. Phoenix House has over 46 en-suite bedroom, four family suites, a gym with specialist equipment, training rooms, IT suites and a café. Many members of CSDST came through centres like Phoenix House and were recruited to the team by the staff at these centres.During this stop Warwick Mead from the British Force Broadcasting Service visited and interviewed CSDST members getting an update of how the ride is going since they left Edinburgh.


 
After some group photographs the riders set out on the last 11 mile leg of the day’s route finishing in Leeming Bar. Despite this day being the toughest all of the riders were happy with what they had accomplished despite lots of sore bodies. Luckily Sarah Jecks and Jess Claridge, both physiotherapists on the support team, were on hand at the finish to give the riders sport massages to ease the pain.

Day 4 - 6th September - Leeming Bar - Doncaster

Day 4 complete (68 miles, 600m ascent). Who knew how flat Yorkshire was (thankfully)? It was also very wet, which was miserable (think of a 3 hour ALS Ice Bucket challenge). It stopped raining once we left McDonalds around 12, and we're now more than halfway.



Day 5 - 7th September - Doncaster - RAF Wittering

After a cold and wet day’s ride to Doncaster day five on the Ride of Thrones was looking to be a good day’s ride. With a clear day on the weather front the route itself was reasonably flat and with Full English’s all round the riders, and support team, were ready to set off on to RAF Wittering.
 
CSDST rider Jamie Weller’s wife and two girls had stayed at the hotel overnight were excited to see their father’s tandem and tried to have a go, but their feet barely reached the pedals! So instead they followed him out of the hotel’s car park on their scooters.
 
Doncaster is also Mick Brennan’s stomping ground so as the CSDST team rode out of the city and into Bircotes they were greeted by family and friends and were able to stop for a quick chat before continuing on their ride for the day.



 
Other Ride of Thrones team members also had family and friends in the area and the second rest stop for the day became a car park with the amount of local support that came out to see the riders! Which caught Clive Jeck, a support team member from Allocate Software a company that also supports CSDST, napping reading the Sunday papers and getting some sun by the sudden influx of visitors!
 
A simple day turned into a complicated one with multiple punctures and mechanical issues but all of them could be fixed on the roadside allowing the riders to continue. Day five was also a day for getting lost, or as the riders call it “going on a parallel route” with some support vehicles having to be dispatched to try and locate them and give directions to get back them on the right route!
 
After a slow start to the day with so many family and friends coming out to meet the riders, and a few riders getting “lost’, the pace in the afternoon increased and before long most of the riders had reached the overnight stop in RAF Wittering. The last riders in were the three ones who accidently went sightseeing along the route and instead of stopping when the reached RAF Wittering decided to cycle and extra half mile around the base to make what was meant to be a 85 mile day into a 100 mile day, an achievement for any rider.
 
With everyone back safely a few members of support team with itchy feet for not being able to cycle had a go of Jamie Weller and Jen Kohoe’s tandem bicycle. It quickly showed the level of trust Jamie puts in Jen as his guide when riding on the road and at high speed down hills.
 
Curry night in the Junior Ranks Mess with seemingly unlimited servings so most of the riders and support team had at least two, one of the benefits of eating on a military base!

Day 6 - 8th September - RAF Wittering - Luton



Day 7 - Luton to the Tower of London

They did it! Everyone successfuly arrived at the Tower of London at about 17.30 on Tuesday 9th September.  The original riders (CSDST team members, teams from our sponsors and serving members of the Armed Forces) were joined by a team from Selex ES who joined them for the last 40 miles into London.  An amazing achievement for all concerned, and between them they have so far raised over £40,000.



A few words from some of the riders: 

Former Army reservist Jamie Hull (38), suffered life-changing burns in a flying training accident in 2007, and also hopes to ski at Paralympic level. Jamie, who is new to the Team this year, said
 
"I feel exceptionally proud to have represented the wounded UK Armed Forces community this week on the Ride of Thrones. I met a cracking bunch of veteran and serving wounded servicemen, supporting riders and support staff, all of whom made the ride so fun and encouraging!"
 
A keen cyclist, Jamie will represent the UK at the Invictus Games and said
 
"I was straight into training again at the end of the ride, with little down time. You could say that the ride from Edinburgh was my warm up for the Invictus Games cycling race on Saturday. It was far more than that though, because I made some great friends and can share in the glory of achievement in this special event. The memories of the ride will stay with me and will spur me on to go further!"
 
Serving soldier Private Adam Coulson (26), who is based in Germany with the Royal Logistic Corps, said
 
"I saw the Disabled skiers when I was competing for my Regiment. I was so impressed by their commitment and determination that I wanted to help in some way. The ride has been a fantastic experience and I hope to be involved with the Team again in the future by getting some skiing qualifications and helping with the coaching. I am looking forward to seeing them on the slopes later this year."
 
The Team’s Chairman, Brigadier Fred Hargreaves OBE, said,
 
"Adaptive skiing changes people’s lives, giving wounded, injured and sick Servicemen, Servicewomen and veterans the opportunity to regain their sense of adventure, confidence and competitiveness. The Ride of Thrones has been an exceptionally rewarding experience for our athletes and also for the tremendous team of supporters from Selex ES, Allocate Software, DO Systems, BT and elsewhere. The camaraderie and dedication shown throughout the 450-mile journey across our beautiful country was simply brilliant. It's thanks to an incredible level of support through donations that we have been able to raise such a huge total."
 
The money raised by the ride will help the Combined Services Disabled skiers train in preparation for the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang.



Meet the Riders

The Ride of Thrones team comprises Selex ES employees, fellow CSDST supporters, athletes, and staff from the charity itself including cyclists using specially designed hand-driven bikes. Discover more about each of the participants helping raise thousands of pounds for CSDST.

Mick Brennan – CSDST

Why Mick is taking part: "In November 2004 I was involved in a bomb blast in Iraq and I lost both my legs and also suffered some brain damage. I started skiing as a mono skier (meaning I ski sitting down) in 2008 and with the help of events like the Ride of Thrones, I have been able to get funding to train with the CSDST. This support culminated with  me skiing at this year's Winter Paralympics in Russia where I managed to get two top ten finish and one in the top 15. I hope now to make it to Pyeonchang, Korea in four years time and go for a medal."

Steve Christie – Production Programme Manager, Selex ES

Why Steve is taking part: "Having been involved with the CSDST on the Home to Rome ride in 2010, I know several past and present CSDST athletes and supporting personnel. I also have a propensity for endurance events such as the Home to Rome ride, Ironman, Triathlons etc. as I like to challenge myself physically and mentally. My biggest challenges with this ride will be avoiding any further injuries between now and the start, plus finding enough time to train with a hectic work schedule, house renovations and a 7-month old baby who is showing signs of trying to walk already...this currently involves 5am wake ups 6 days a week, and a lie-in until 7 on Sunday if allowed!"

Fiona Collopy – Head of Operational Planning, Manufacturing and Supply Planning UK, Selex ES

Why Fiona is taking part: "I immediately applied to be part of the Ride of Thrones after reading about the event and all the great work the CSDST does. I'm a keen 'non-competitive' cyclist, and ride every weekend with my husband (mainly behind him trying to catch up). This year I turned 40 so decided this would be a good personal challenge both physically and mentally. With a busy job and as a mum of five, I'm enjoying the excuse to be out on my bike more to train!"

Paul Franklin – Sub Contract Manager, Selex ES

Why Paul is taking part: “I'm 57 (58 days after Ride of Thrones) and an active company pensioner! I compete in running and traithlon races including the Alpe D'Huez Triathlon. I love taking in challenges and beating them! My biggest challenge was duodenal/pancreatic cancer at 52. My chances of survival were 5%. Well, I'm still here, so how hard can a few hills be? All struggles are different, but I know what it's like to stare down the abyss, soak up the devastating news and fight on! I'm alive and I'm grateful."

Paul Garrad – Principal Mechanical Engineer, Selex ES

Why Paul is taking part: “I’m a keen cyclist, and have taken part in many charity rides over the years, including all the popular one-day rides from London, as well as London to Amsterdam, and London to Paris. I had already signed up to do the London Prudential 100 on 10 Aug (I also took part in 2013) on behalf of the British Lung Foundation, so having to train for that ride allowed me to extend this to take in the Ride of Thrones. I am also a very keen skier (going twice yearly), so the fact the ride is on behalf of the CSDST, has a particular relevance and resonance for me.”

Fred Hargreaves OBE - Chariman, CSDST

Why Fred is taking part: I took over as Chairman of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team in November 2013. Before joining CSDST, I founded Battle Back, the UK Ministry of Defence’s programme for getting wounded Service personnel back into sport. I am a passionate skier and have been a ski instructor (alpine, adaptive and ski touring) for many years. During this time I've seen the real difference that sport, and in particular adaptive skiing, can have in helping accelerate the physical and mental rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel as well as giving them the opportunity to regain their sense of adventure, confidence and competitiveness. 

James Harper – Head of Supply Chain Process Development, Selex ES

Why James is taking part: "I was inspired by attending many of the Paralympic events during London 2012, and feel this would be a great way to support the cause of disability sports in the UK. I am a keen cyclist, having taken up Triathlon a few years ago, so this represents a tremendous challenge both physically and mentally.

Gus Harris-Reid – Mechanical Engineer, Advanced Lasers, Selex ES

Why Gus is taking part: “To undertake a significant group cycling challenge, which would be more difficult without being part of a team and having a fundraising target to stay motivated!”

Sam Holliday – Lead Mechanical Engineer, Selex ES

Why Sam is taking part: "I always relish the opportunity to enter events and push myself, with many running events in the past. As a newbie to road cycling, I wanted to test my cycling abilities while supporting the CSDST charity.

Alex Kroll – CSDST

Why Alex is taking part: "I'm doing this ride to show my commitment to the team. When I ski it's very much a solo effort but without the team helping me, there is no way I would be able to do so. My role is to try and ski to the best of my abilities. The team's job is to help me get to the slopes, help out with funding a sit ski, teach my how to wax my skis, teach me how to ski and ultimately train me to become a ski racer."

Iain Maciver – Firmware Engineer, Selex ES

Why Iain is taking part: “When I heard about the Ride of Thrones, I was immediately keen to participate. CSDST was not a charity I was aware of before, this but having read about them since, I am proud to be able to do a little to support them. The challenge we will face is tiny compared to what those that CSDST support have been through, and I look forward to meeting some of them on the ride. When I started working at Selex I quickly became bored of sitting in the traffic so considered cycling to work instead. This now forms the basis for my training and I try to do it as much as possible, with the 17 miles each way providing many things to enjoy such as the fresh air, freedom from traffic jams, seeing the countryside, and maybe, above all, allowing me to eat as much cake as I feel like!”

Paul Nicholls – Head of Supportability Engineering, Selex ES

Why Paul is taking part: “ I served in the Royal Air Force for 36 years as an engineering officer, retiring 10 years ago to join Selex. So I understand what drives our Armed Forces to take on the many challenges that they do and if I can help the CSDST go to the Paralympics by completing this bike ride, then it’s worth all the pain and agony. I’ve never been a cyclist and only bought a bike for the challenge, but I have run 77 marathons in support of military charities raising over £50,000. I also work with lots of servicemen & women through my work as a Case Officer for SSAFA.”
 
Mark Scorgie – Head Coach, CSDST

Why Mark is taking part: I been involved in military Alpine Skiing in several different guises since joining the British Army in 1989 and raced for the Royal Engineer, Army and Combined Service teams for a number of years before moving into coaching. I became the Head Coach to the CSDST in 2008 and have helped train athletes for major skiing championships including IPCAS, NORAM, Europa Cup, World Cup and the 2014 Winter Paralympics. The fundraising of the Ride of Thrones means I will be able to help the CSDST to develop better methods to train injured servicemen and women, both serving and former members, in alpine ski racing, with the aim of introducing many more to the world of Paralympic sport. 

Larry Walters – Support Solutions Manager, Selex ES

Why Larry is taking part: “I've been cycling for many years, and would describe myself as 'keen' rather than 'competitive'. Apart from being a good cause, my reasons for entering Ride of Thrones are twofold. Firstly, I'm looking forward to the shear challenge that the distance and terrain offers. And secondly, the inevitable camaraderie riding this kind of challenge in and as part of a team provides."

Jamie Weller & Jen Kehoe - CSDST

Why Jamie is taking part: "The loss of my sight whilst I was in the Navy was a real shock to me.  However I have always been keen to do a challenge so jumped at the chance to ski. Having a guide be my eyes on the slope has enabled me to rise to the challenge. Being part of the CSDST has given me back a sense of purpose and given me back that competitive spirit once again. The support they provide me is unique and professional. I'm hoping to go as far in competitive ski racing as I can and I thank the team for training and supporting me. Being part of the Ride of Thrones is important to me as I want to educate people that being disabled is not the end of one's life, to help people see the ability and not the disability and to show that boundaries can be pushed back."

Why Jen is taking part: "I took over as CSDST’s Performance Manager in Oct 2013 and I have been a ski guide for another visually impaired athlete Millie Knight for the past year. When Jamie mentioned to me that he wanted to do the ride, there could only be one outcome… we decided to cycle it together on a tandem! This requires a huge amount of trust on his part, as I will be up front steering, not to mention the teamwork required to keep the thing moving. The money we raise during this ride will enable CSDST to buy essential equipment and provide more opportunities for the servicemen and women to train and progress in their rehabilitation"

Background to the Ride of Thrones

Fred Hargreaves, Chairman of the CSDST, will be riding alongside many other team members and supporters, and writes:

In early September, I will be cycling in the Ride of Thrones to raise money for the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (C.S.D.S.T), of which I have been Chairman since the beginning of the year. CSDST is a charitable organisation dedicated to rehabilitating those serving and retired service personnel who have been wounded, injured or become sick during their military service. The charity trains athletes from beginner to national Paralympic standard, reintroducing the spirit of challenge and competition that they were accustomed to as part of normal Service life, and enabling them to regain a sense of purpose. The money we raise during this ride will enable the charity to buy essential equipment and provide more opportunities for the Servicemen and women to train and progress in their rehabilitation. 

The ride is organised by a huge supporter of the CSDST, Selex ES. Selex ES works closely with British forces to provide protective equipment, so the CSDST cause is very close to their hearts. The Ride team, comprising Selex ES employees, CSDST athletes, staff and supporters, will cycle from one historic throne of power to another. Participants will leave Edinburgh Castle on 3 September and cycle over 450 miles across the UK to finish at the Tower of London on 9 September, the eve of the Invictus Games. There is an opportunity for anyone interested to take part in the last leg of the Ride, (Luton to London – 35 slow, easy miles) – all we ask is for you to raise a target donation of £200. If you are interested, please e-mail Sophie, on: .

There are several other ways you can support us. It’s easy to donate via my JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Fred-Hargreaves-CSDST-RideofThrones and you can also text “HERO26” followed by the amount you wish to donate (max £10) to 70070. Please help me to reach my target of raising £2000 to support the team. Alternatively, please come and cheer us along the route at the start or finish – the Reception at the Tower of London on 9 September should be awesome!

Find out more here  

The Ski Club of Great Britain have also written about the event.