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We Will Ride 500 Miles

Engineers from RAF Akrotiri’s Ground Engineering Flight (GEF) have teamed up to complete over 500 miles on static watt bikes to raise money for the RAF Central Fund in April.

 

The team, who observed strict social distancing and hygiene rules throughout the event, responded to the 2.6 challenge set up in the UK to support British charities who have lost significant amount of funds due to the cancellation of hundreds of events because of COVID-19.

Organised by SAC Tech Alexander Russel, riders took it in turns to cycle the distance.

“I saw the 2.6 Challenge on Facebook. We’re a sporty section and I thought it would be a great way to raise money for charity. Everyone is struggling at the moment and the charities have taken a massive hit so this seemed like the right thing to do.

“The original plan was for 26 cyclists to complete 260 miles in 1-hour slots, however the event was popular that the slots filled up within a couple of hours.”

-SAC Tech Alexander Russel

The team quickly smashed that target and completed over 500 miles raising over £300 for the charity, with donations still coming in. “I’m really pleased with what we have achieved,” added Alexander.

“The friendly competition between the different sections who were all represented, and the desire to beat Officer Commanding Engineering Wing’s impressive benchmark, fostered the team spirit that has embodied GEF's attitude throughout the CV-19 Crisis.”

-GEF Flight Commander, Flying Officer Lydia Houston

 

Wing Commander Al Rutledge, Officer Commanding Engineering Wing, also took part. He said:

“The 2.6 challenge is an admirable and important effort to support UK charities that have been unable to generate much needed income under the current COVID-19 constraints. 

 “I’m incredibly grateful to my GEF team for showing the initiative to do their part in a 26-hour cycle challenge, aided with some healthy competition, good spirit and humour, whilst respecting the various social distancing and hygeine protocols we continue to observe. 

“I hope our contribution to this good cause will inspire similar events within the RAF Akrotiri and BFC community to do the same, and in doing so, support our brilliant UK charities through this difficult period.”

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