As the nation marks 75 years since the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944, a Rugby for Heroes team will be cycling in the tank tracks of the Welsh Guards who went on to liberate Brussels in September 1944.
A fitting end to the challenge will see the team compete in a remembrance rugby match – a real test of their tired bodies after two days in the saddle!
After leaving Arras, the Welsh Guards moved on to Douai from where the order was given to push on to Brussels in one day. In “an armoured dash unequalled for speed in this or any other war,” the 14 hour, 110km journey, saw the Welsh Guards reach Brussels where the city was at last liberated.
The route from Arras to Brussels will take a 30-strong team of ex-professional rugby players, current and former service personnel and Rugby for Heroes supporters two days to complete by mountain bike.
As the team arrives in Brussels, it will be straight to Dendermonde RFC for a Vets match to honour the fallen.
We have set up a fundraising page at Virgin Money Giving and are hoping to raise £15,000 in support of our service personnel transitioning from military to civilian life.
Any donations – big or small – make a huge difference to what we can do as a charity.
If you would like to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the Rugby Rides 75 challenge, there are a range of options available. We are always looking for new, like-minded partners to join forces with so drop us a line at [email protected]
