Submariners give presentation after VOS cycle ride
By Ron Gordon
SEVERAL MEMBERS from the Gosport Branch of the Submariners Association were given the privilege of presenting a cheque totalling £2,672 to the Veterans Outreach Association (VOS); this money being raised by the cycling group who completed the hundred mile South Downs Way route last month.
As reported in the Globe on April 26, the cycling group featured four veterans and three associate members of the Branch made a journey from Winchester to Eastbourne. With a combined age of 515 years they completed the challenge within three days and were faced with multiple difficulties.
This included rough terrains, flinty surfaces, difficult surfaces and harsh weather conditions throughout their journey, but particularly on the final day. Overall they travelled for 110 miles across three days and rode a total of 14,714 feet (4484 metres), which is three times the height of Ben Nevis at 4413 feet (1345 metres).
After completing this gruelling but worthwhile challenge the participants recently attended a presentation, where the cheque was given to VOS in front of volunteers. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Branch, Steve Thorpe MBE, and one of the group support team Sheila Davies who was instrumental to the ride.
VOS were very appreciative of the donation and will use it to great effect, the charity offering welfare, wellbeing, and clinical provision to UK Armed Forces & Merchant Navy Veterans alongside their spouses / partners. They were founded in 2008 and are now in their sixteenth year, whilst they have been a registered charity since 2013.
Readers can still donate to the cause by clicking on this link, whilst the Gosport Branch will continue to raise funds for VOS using their monthly meetings and other events throughout the year. This is set to culminate in another cheque presentation to VOS in March next year with more information to be announced nearer the time.
PICTURED BY RON GORDON: The Gosport Branch present their cheque to VOS at a recent event; which will be used to help the charity offer vital support for veterans.
