RAF officer from Bury St Edmunds to tackle 60-mile Dambusters Ride for the RAF Benevolent Fund
An RAF officer from Bury St Edmunds is set to challenge herself to a cycle fund-raiser all to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Wing Commander Paula Willmot will take in the Dambusters Ride which consists of a Virtual Ride on the weekend of May 7-8 and a physical Heritage Ride in Lincolnshire on May 14.
Paula, who has been in the RAF for over 30 years and is currently SO1 Strat Comms at RAF Northolt, will take part in the 60-mile Virtual Ride on her Peloton bike.
The Dambusters Ride pays tribute to the Dambusters, members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley during the war, also known as Operation Chastise during the World War Two.
It was a risky operation, dropping the bouncing bomb at low level. Out of 133 crew who left, only 53 returned.
Paula said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund is there for all service personnel and their families, whatever the circumstance.
"It’s an organisation that shows help is there not just there while you’re serving, but as you go through life and become a veteran. The charity is there for life and its successes are numerous.
"By no means would I describe myself as a keen cyclist but I absolutely love my Peloton. I’m looking forward to being able to give back to the Fund, feel like I am doing something worthwhile whilst also staying healthy and fit.
"The fact that I am completing the ride in my spare room is just a bit different but I will be wearing my jersey and will be proud to do so," she added.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides emotional, financial and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families.
This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships to Headspace, Airplay youth clubs and more.
Lisa Hunt, regional fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "The Dambusters Ride was an enormous success in 2021, raising nearly £200,000 for the Fund.
"We want this year’s event to be even bigger, so we’re calling on our supporters and any eager cyclists to join the 2022 challenge. If you’re unable to make it to Lincolnshire for the main event on Saturday 14 May, please consider signing up for the virtual ride, which will allow you to complete your miles in any other location over the weekend of 7-8 May instead."
To find out more about the Dambusters Ride, see here.
