This week, Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, raced against the clock on an exercise bike to raise money for the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal. Mr Evans was joined by over 80 other Members of Parliament, The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, and the Director General of The Royal British Legion.
The 12 hour bike ride was held from 8am to 8pm in Portcullis House, Parliament in order to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. MPs and Peers cycled as far as they could in 5 minutes, with the hope of topping the leader board and beating last year’s winner, david Davies MP, who cycled an impressive 2.46 miles.
The bike ride was organised by the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) in association with the Royal British Legion and follows on from the successful bike ride held in 2015 (where 77 MPs and Peers cycled a total of 128.8 miles in 12 hours).
Members of the Welsh Assembly undertook the same challenge as the two legislatures aimed to collectively cycle the distance from Westminster to the Somme in France, to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
MPs were encouraged to donate as they took part, with all of the money raised on the day going to help the Royal British Legion provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community.
Speaking from Portcullis House, Nigel said:
“I consider it a privilege that I can show my support for the Armed Forces in this way. It is only right that soldiers who have been killed in the course of their duties are respected and remembered. It is equally as important that we help to care for soldiers in their life after active service. No member of the Armed Forces should be left behind after they have risked their lives for us.
“The Poppy Appeal is a fantastic opportunity to raise money for the cause and for people to show their appreciation and the IPT charity bike ride is an excellent event to promote the charity.”
Commenting ahead of the bike ride, Nick Maher, CEO of the IPT said:
“The support and enthusiasm from parliamentarians last year was absolutely fantastic and I am positive that this year’s bike ride will be even more successful.”