HELP FOR HEROES BANK OF BROTHERS BIKE RIDE TO PARIS 2009

Inspirational, moving, informative and taxing is how Wadham & Isherwood Partner Geoff Reeve and his wife Gill would describe the Band of Brothers 350 mile bike ride to Paris between 24th to 30th May. Their undying memory of the event was the comradeship that exists in the services which they were privileged to experience during the week. A 16 man team from Headley Court with varying disabilities took part inspiring them and particularly the three guys who completed the 350 mile ride on hand bikes – one having been blown up twice in one day the second time when being evacuated.

The riders met at Southwick Park, Portsmouth on a sunny Sunday 300 riders, with family and friends and we were set off on our way by Ross Kemp one of the patrons of Help for Heroes catching the Seacat to Cherbourg for an overnight stay – the spirit was palpable from the very start.

A bright Monday morning saw us off on our way to Bayeaux via St Mere Eglise where the first moving wreath laying ceremony took place with the full story of the towns capture being explained by a military historian, The Red Devils piled in and we leave the village on mass led by 20+ Harley Davidsons! Onto Omaha beach and the American war cemetery. It is hard to describe the effect the sight of over 9,000 war graves had on us all, it was so peaceful and so moving to read the headstones of so many incredibly young servicemen. A full ceremony took place and then off to Bayeux a mere 75 miles on the first day!!!

Tuesday cold and wet but no complaints. Arrive Arromanches where the remains of the Mulberry harbour can be seen for a talk from a veteran of the landings and full ceremony. Ride on along Gold, Juno and Sword beaches to Pegasus Bridge for wreath laying and meet Madame Gondree owner of the café which was the first building to be liberated in France, and who was a child at the time. Light relief during historians talk created by amorous ducks who stole the show!

Overnight in Caen and then another 75 mile day to Lisieux via Falais where we encounter a 2 mile hill to the Polish war memorial cemetery. Here 2 ex servicemen describe their experiences of being wounded and their recovery process - on to Lisieux overnight followed by another cold and damp morning start to Evreux via an airfield where we had lunch and met veteran Resistance fighters. This was preceded by a fascinating talk by the Services Director of the Medical Services, who was taking part in the ride, as to the advantages of sharing hospital facilities with National Health specialists.

Friday morning, the big one, we set off at 6.00 a.m. to cover 75 miles by lunchtime to ensure arrival in Paris for the Arc de Triumphe ceremony. Lunch in Versailles and then off for the last 25 miles through the suburbs and heavy traffic. We met up with Harry on his hand bike (he took no prisoners as we struggled to keep up on downhill stretches) with his helpers and had the privilege of completing the ride in his party - how fitting.

Our welcome at the Arc de Triumphe was awesome and none of us were prepared for what followed. After much flapping, the French officials/police at last made us form up in ranks of four, the traffic was stopped, and we marched to the Arc de Triumphe where a full military band welcomed us for the most moving ceremony of the trip.

We then took Paris by storm riding down the Champs Elysee with the most amazing welcome from the crowd. A lone piper played and we all congregated at the Eiffel Tower with the Sun Bus, page 3 girls, champagne – hard to believe that the ride was over.

That night we attended a celebration dinner on a boat on the Seine, awards, speeches and memories. The founder of the charity Bryn and Emma Parry who both completed the ride announced that the charity had to date hit £22M and the medical supervisor at Headley Court explained what a difference this money had made. The new goal is to build a series of recovery/safe houses close to garrisons to provide support for servicemen and their families at times of need.

At the dinner we were all brought down to earth when it was announced that whilst the ride was taking place 3 of our soldiers had unfortunately died and as I write the news is that 2 more servicemen have been killed in Afghanistan.

What an experience, yes it was taxing but we have gained so much and it looks as though we will raise around £9,000 between us which hopefully will be increased as a result of the Crondall village fete on 20th June. Thanks to everyone who sponsored us so generously.

Proud and privileged to have taken part and as was predicted the ride has certainly concentrated our minds as to the important things in life which money cannot buy.