A father and son team from Stoke Gifford have embarked on a 1,100 mile sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for the local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
Matthew Moran, 49, and son Fraser, 17, are undertaking the epic ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in appreciation of the support given by the Legion to Matthew’s father-in-law (Fraser’s grandfather) David Griffiths, who suffers from lung fibrosis and requires constant oxygen.
Mr. Griffiths, 74, is well known in the village having served as a fireman at the British Aerospace airfield and, for the last ten years of his career, as the groundsman for Stoke Gifford Parish Council.
To enable Mr. Griffiths, an ex Cpl. Veteran, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps, to maintain his mobility round his home village, the Royal British Legion carried out an assessment and provided him with an electric powered vehicle. This electric scooter has, according to Dave’s wife, Janet, regenerated her husband’s life over the last year, enabling him to again visit family, his friends and go to the local shops.
Matthew and Fraser say they will be cycling unsupported, camping every night and taking in the highest climbs in England, which means they will cover 1,100 miles on their journey to north Scotland, rather than the normal 830 mile distance.
Sponsorship for this epic ride would be greatly welcomed. Matthew and Fraser may be contacted by email on moranmgmoran@blueyonder.co.uk, by post at 12 Somerset Crescent, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PP or by phone on 01454 778361.
David Bell, Publicity Officer of the Stoke Gifford Branch of the RBL, said:
“The Royal British Legion is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and the Stoke Gifford Branch has raised a record amount (almost £28,000) locally for the Poppy Appeal, since last autumn.”
“The branch is delighted that Matthew and Fraser have chosen to raise money for the RBL in its work helping current and ex- service personnel and their families.”
The Branch collects at a number of local venues in the area, including the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke and Sainsburys in Stoke Gifford.
Mr Bell added:
“The Royal British Legion Welfare are supporting needy service people and their dependants with £1,200, 000 per week, so you know any sponsorship, donation or contribution will not only be welcomed, but put to very good use.”
Photo: Matthew Moran (left) and Fraser Moran (right) are wished well by John Moloney and Brian Hewitt of the Stoke Gifford branch of the British Legion.
David Bell, Publicity Officer of the Stoke Gifford Branch of the RBL, reports:
“Stoke Gifford residents Matthew Moran and his son Fraser have cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, over 1,100 miles, and raised over £2,000 for the RBL Poppy Appeal.”
“The route is normally about 800 miles but Matthew and Fraser also cycled over five peaks to complete the trip.”
“To date £2,040 has been banked and further monies have yet to be collected. It is thought the final total could be £2,200.”
Sponsorship for this epic ride would be greatly welcomed. Contact details as above.