The virtual fundraisers taking part in this year’s Dambusters Ride
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The Dambusters Ride, a cycle fundraiser organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity, is taking place virtually this weekend on May 7 and 8.
People from across the world are paying tribute to the Dambusters, 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 – also known as Operation Chastise. During the raid, 53 aircrew were killed and three became prisoners of war.
Fundraisers include:
Iqbal Ud Din, from London:
"I decided to sign up for the Dambusters Ride as I was struck by the importance of such an event in history, the bravery of the 617 squadron, and the effect it had on both Great Britain and Germany. I’ll be doing the virtual ride by myself around London and I’m looking forward to wearing my RAF Benevolent Fund Dambusters jersey with pride – it is an honour to take part."
Ken Roberts, who will be taking part from Georgia, USA:
"I am taking part in the Dambusters Ride in memory of my father, who was a bomb armourer on Lincoln Bombers in the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s. I will wear my new RAF Benevolent Fund jersey with great pride, remembering the brave crew members of the Dambusters Raid and especially Sqn Ldr Johnny Johnson, along with my dear father and all other RAF veterans. In 2021 I rode 200 miles for the Dambusters Ride and aim to do the same in 2022. I'll also be taking part in the 2023 event next year."
Tamsin Anne, from Moray, Scotland:
"My husband Dave is a serving member of the Royal Air Force and is currently stationed at RAF Lossiemouth. I'll be taking part in the virtual ride with my friend, Claire Houston – we've signed up as the Lossie Loonies! The Fund means the world to me – being a serving wife often comes with worries and, knowing that if we ever needed help it would be there, is a huge comfort. I love a challenge and have not done a bike fundraiser before so I’m really excited!"
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.