RIDE WITH A VETERAN
FOUNDING PATRON
150-MILE CHARITY BIKE RIDE INSPIRES ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
FIRSTPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE , NIGEL HOWELL , PAYS RBLI A VISIT
“I’m doing all I can to support the ride,” he said. “It’s such a good cause. The money is urgently needed to help veterans who have done so much for our country.” Mike served his country for 22 years in Germany, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Canada and Singapore. His medals salute his time with the United Nations, good conduct and length of service. July 2021: An 80-year-old Chelsea Pensioner was among 50 cyclists who took on the challenge which is well on its way to raising £50,000 for RBLI. Former Royal Engineer, Mike Atkinson was the oldest cyclist on Royal British Legion Industries’ ‘Ride with a Veteran’ which kicked off from the RBLI Village. 18
He cycles regularly in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, and before Covid-19, pedalled regularly to Richmond Park. “I’ve been riding every day and love it.”
TOM M Y C LU B NEWS I AUTUMN 2021
The two-day challenge, finished at the iconic National Cyclists Memorial in Meriden, West Midlands, where the riders gathered to lay wreaths and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
It was a hugely successful event in challenging times and, thanks to the wonderful team of cyclists who support us, it was a memorable occasion. PENNY DYSON Event organiser and Tommy Club Founding Patron
As the country continued to open up from lockdown, RBLI proudly reopened its doors to welcome customers, potential donors and friends of the charity to showcase what we’ve been doing to support those most in need over the past 18 months.
He saw first-hand how construction is progressing on our new assisted living scheme, which will sit amongst modern apartments and family homes for veterans and their families.
These visits, which follow strict hygiene and social distancing practices, are our opportunity to gain further support for our work. One such visit was Nigel Howell, Chief Executive of award-winning residential property management company FirstPort (UK), who came to see first-hand the work we have been doing to support those most in need.
It was fantastic to see the invaluable support that RBLI offers to our veterans. I met with some incredible people who lived, worked and received support all from the RBLI Village. They have big plans for the future as they look to grow so they can support even more veterans. All of our support, be it donations or purchasing products from their online store will help them in helping more veterans than ever before.
Nigel was welcomed to Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, to meet the team of veterans and people with disabilities who are busy creating a range of products from road and rail signs through to hedgehog houses and planters for the garden. We also showed Nigel the latest developments in our dementia facilities and the expansion of our Centenary Village which will support hundreds more of the country’s most vulnerable veterans every year.
Nigel commented:
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