Former Monmouthshire airman to cycle from Paris to London to mark Battle of Britain anniversary

Former Squadron Leader Pete Thompson, of St Arvans, near Chepstow, is aiming to complete the 240-mile Battle of Britain Paris to London Brompton Bike Ride on a Brompton bike over four days in September to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The former airman, who now works at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “I have been training on an old bike my friend gave me. It is heavy, the gears are a little clunky, the brakes don’t work and I have been doing all my training in the Wye Valley which is not easy.”

He added: “The challenge is something I have not done before – I am not a cyclist so it is a whole new sport.”

The event will support the work of the Fund in providing emotional, practical and financial support to the entire RAF family.

There were nearly 3,000 aircrew that fought in the Battle of Britain from more than 70 Squadrons. The cost of the battle was high – 544 lost their lives and a further 814 died before the end of the War.

He added:“I have seen first-hand, from both my serving career and working with the Fund how important the charity’s help is to members of RAF family in their time of need.

“I simply believe in what we are doing and helping to raise some funds is the least I can do. I’m hoping to raise £2,000 and every penny will go towards supporting the vital work the Fund does.”

To support Mr Thompson visit http://www.justgiving.com