From London to Paris - Riding for Charity
Royal Navy Rugby Union Assistant Director of Rugby, Major Scott Ashley MBE RM is riding from Trafalgar Square, London to the Eiffel Tower, Paris on Friday 5 October in order to promote awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and to raise money for the Combat Stress and CLIC Sargent Charities.
Scott will be accompanied in his charitable endeavour by former Royal Marine and Royal Navy Medic Charlie Sumner. The pair, who fondly refer to themselves as 'the Baldy Bikers' aim to cycle the distance of approximately 200 miles within 24 hours, cycling from London to Newhaven and then catching the ferry to Dieppe before cycling to Paris.
Scott says that sport is one of his "anchors" and cycling has become a big part of his life as it gives him the time and space he needs to think things through and it provides him with the challenges he is constantly seeking in his life. In contrast, Charlie only took up cycling in January this year but he is clearly enjoying it. He is riding for CLIC Sargeant, the charity that helps young people and their families to deal with day to day life after being diagnosed with cancer.
Most people will be more familiar with Scott in his role within the Royal Navy Rugby Union as the Assistant Director of Rugby responsible for the RNRU Senior XV and the RNRU Sharks, the representative 7s team. He is currently working on his Level 3 RFU Coaching qualification and coaches at Chichester RFC so he won't be away from the rugby pitch for long! The Royal Navy Rugby Union wishes Scott and Charlie all the best in their charity cycle ride.
For more information about the Baldy Bikes or to donate to their fundraising go to www.baldybikers.uk
Images: Royal Navy Rugby Union © Scott Ashley