Adventurers James Cracknell and Ben Fogle have completed their gruelling rickshaw ride from Edinburgh to London non-stop raising thousands of pounds for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – Forces Help.
The pair set off from EdinburghCastle on Saturday 3rd of October at 8am arriving at Hyde Park Barracks at 1pm on the 5th October.
A gale-force tail wind through Scotland on the first day meant that the pair making fantastic progress and reached speeds of nearly 40mph. However as the ride continued though the following days and nights thefatigue began to show.
“It’s been really hard work, particularly in the later stages”, said TV presenter Ben, 35, who has served in the Royal Naval Reserves. “We are both exhausted, but there was an amazing turn out from the public, children and from the Armed Forces along the route. We have been moved by people’s generosity, it makes you proud to be British.”
Double Olympic gold medallist James, 37, added:"This all pales into insignificance in comparison to what our troops do.
“Reminding ourselves that we're doing this for them has kept us going. SSAFA does a really important job looking after injured troops and their families and Ben and I are both really proud to be able to help."
The ride was shown on ITV1 on Wednesday 7th October 2009 as part of the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards where many of the country's biggest celebrities came together to salute the nation's real-life unsung heroes.
You can still donate by calling 020 7463 9225, or by post make cheques payable toSSAFA Forces Help and send to Ride of Britain, SSAFA Forces Help, 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London, SE1 2LP.
