Annual Charity Ride Celebrates Lincolnshire’s Unique RAF Heritage

PRESS RELEASE

An annual charity bike ride that has taken place in Lincolnshire since 2019 has taken a high-flying turn for 2023 in celebration of the county’s unique RAF heritage.

The 60 and 100-mile routes of the annual JETRide challenge will this year take in eleven of Bomber County’s most poignant heritage sites, including Harmston Hall, which served as a hospital in the Second World War, RAF Wellingore from which John Gillespie Magee took his final fateful flight in 1941 shortly after penning his famous sonnet, High Flight, and RAF Swinderby which became the home of the newly-formed Polish Air Force in 1940.

At each stop, riders will hear stories of endeavor, courage, and adversity and be given the opportunity to learn more about the region’s rich military history. Riders will also have the opportunity to dedicate their ride to a forgotten hero or military veteran linked to their family.

JETRide is organized by the youth charity Jon Egging Trust, with the ride raising funds to support disadvantaged and under-confident students to take part in the trust’s three-year Blue Skies programs. JET CEO, Dr. Emma Egging, says the charity – which was founded in memory of her late husband, Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging – maintains strong links with the RAF: “From our founding story in 2011 to our current Blue Skies programs which are often led by inspiring military volunteers, the RAF sits at the heart of the Jon Egging Trust,” says Emma. “Our JETRiders often have a strong connection to the RAF too; many are serving members, veterans, or part of the wider RAF family, and we’re pleased to celebrate this connection. Just as our war heroes brought hope for the future, so the money raised from JETRide 2023 will help support young people from across the UK towards their own brighter futures.”

Event organizer, Dunc Mason, says: “JETRide is a fantastic event with a great atmosphere which has raised over £40k since its inception. This year, we want to take JETRide to the next level, offering a unique perspective of Lincolnshire’s rich military history, whilst attracting even more riders and raising even more vital funds to help young people who need JET’s support across the UK.”

JETRide takes place on Sun 24^th Sept, starting from RAF College Cranwell in Lincs. For more  info, go to joneggingtrust.org.uk/JETRide

 About the Jon Egging Trust

Founded in 2011 by Dr Emma Egging following the tragic death of her husband, Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging, the Jon Egging Trust (JET) supports vulnerable young people to build social and emotional learning skills and reengage with education. Over the past decade, JET has supported more than 35,000 young lives through its long-term Blue Skies programmes which build confidence, resilience, employability skills and aspiration, and link students to inspiring STEM workplaces and relatable role models who allow them to think differently about their futures. Blue Skies programmes are delivered in partnership with JET’s network of high profile corporate and military partners across the UK.