RAF father gears up for eight months of fundraisers
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On Saturday 14 May, Nigel Malkin will be taking on the Dambusters Ride, a cycle fundraiser organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity. Nigel was inspired to sign up for the ride after his son joined the Royal Air Force as a weapons technician.
The Dambusters Ride pays tribute to members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley on the night of 16-17 May 1943 as part of Operation Chastise – also known as the Dambusters raid. It was a risky raid, dropping the revolutionary bouncing bomb at low level, and the cost was high. Of 133 crew who left, only 53 returned.
In addition to joining the Dambusters Ride in May, Nigel has already taken part in the Anglesey 10K and also intends to complete the Anglesey Trail 10K, Snowdonia Quarryman 5K trail run, Snowdonia 10K trail run, London to Paris Bike Ride, and the Bangor 10K, all in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Nigel said: "When visiting my son in Lincolnshire last year, we stopped by the International Bomber Command Centre and heard about the brave airman of the Second World. I’ve always had a keen interest in history and signed up for the Dambusters Ride to pay tribute to everyone that serves in the RAF, both past and present.
"I’ve been cycling for around seven years now, although the last couple of years have been a bit quieter. I’m looking forward to kick-starting my cycling and increasing my mileage this year while raising money for the Fund which does such important work supporting RAF personnel."
The Dambusters Ride consists of two elements: a Virtual Ride on 7-8 May and a Heritage Ride taking place in Lincolnshire on Saturday 14 May. For more information and to register for the Dambusters Ride, please visit rafbf.org/ride.
Have you already signed up to take on the Dambusters Ride? You can find some helpful hints and tips on how you can maximise your fundraising here.