From Cullybackey to Normandy to raise funds for Legion and Hall

A LOCAL man is planning a gruelling cycle trek from the banks of the Maine to the fields of Normandy to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

Royal Irish Regiment Veteran Ian Stewart is no stranger to cycling and walking challenges on behalf of the charity but even he acknowledges that he will be up against it on his latest effort.

To boost his fundraising, ian has set up a justgiving page.

He says: “I am the chairman of the Cullybackey Royal British Legion Branch.

“I am embarking on a remarkable journey, cycling from my legion to the British Normandy War Memorial, a daunting distance of 670 miles all self-funded and self-supported.

“The purpose behind this extraordinary challenge is to raise £7500 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, a British charity dedicated to providing financial, social, and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, along with their families and dependants.

POPPY

“50% of the funds raised through my cycling journey will go towards the Poppy Appeal, supporting a cause that offers invaluable assistance to those who have served their country.

“In addition to contributing to this noble cause, my efforts will also help raise vital funds (remaining 50%) for building maintenance to The Cullybackey Legion Hall.

“These repairs are crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the Legion, ensuring it continues to serve as a welcoming and supportive environment for its members.

“This challenging cycling journey is a testament to my determination to support those who have served in the Armed Forces and to ensure that the Cullybackey Legion remains a beacon of hope and camaraderie for veterans and their families.”

Ian will travel from Cullybackey to Dublin, cycling through the night of 30th May arriving for 1600 sailing to Cherbourg on 31st May. Depart Cherbourg for Ver-sur-Mer arriving 6th June for D Day anniversary and partaking in memorial service, detouring to take in main sites as I go eg. Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha Beaches, Ranville (where the Royal Ulster Rifles landed by gliders on D Day), Le Grand Bunker, Arromanches, Brecourt Manor, Dick Winters Memorial to name a few.

“It’s a total distance around 700 miles depending on how many detours I take to visit various cemeteries as an act of remembrance for local fallen soldiers.

“I would like to make a special mention of Connect Cycling Club for the encouragement, support and training they provide in preparation for going.”