Posted on 22nd May
A Newark-based charity has completed a bike race to raise money and awareness for veterans in the criminal justice system, reports Rachel Jones.
Care after Combat, a charity that helps veterans in the criminal justice system, has raised more than £430 so far after volunteers and fundraisers cycled long distances between Nottingham and Hull.
A total of 13 people took part in the race over three days. Beginning on 9th of May and covering a total of 210 miles, the cyclists visited 11 prisons they work with across the eastern region — Hull, Humber, Hatfield, Lindholme, Moorlands, Ranby, Nottingham, Lowdham Grange, Whatton, North Sea Camp, and Lincoln. The race began at HMP Hull and culminated at HMP Lincoln.
Veterans the charity helps also took part from inside prison. They used exercise bikes at the same time as the race took place, covering equivalent distances as the volunteers.
Speaking about the importance of the event, volunteer Graham Coutts said: “It puts the charity out there because it’s not known about. It’s got bigger in Lincoln since the last bike ride and lets the prisons know they have veterans in custody and that they have different needs to other prisoners.”
Staff at prisons along the way greeted and cheered on cyclists at each visit, and provided refreshments.
A spokesperson for the event and the charity thanked the volunteers, prison staff, and veterans for their support, adding: “As part of the challenge, veterans and prison officers inside the prisons were also completing the bike ride in their gyms. It was a great effort working together on this.
“We would like to thank each prison for their hospitality on arrival and encouragement to complete the route.”
Care after Combat was founded in 2014 and cares for veterans across the country. It provides a holistic approach, and veterans benefit by receiving a mentor, specialised therapy, and support from various related organisations. This support means reoffending rates are one-fifth of the national average.
All money raised went to supporting the veterans they work with. If you would like to donate, you can do so on the website https://careaftercombat.enthuse.com/cf/prisonbikeride
