A VETERAN who has consistently stood up to help those who’ve lived through war has cycled across France as part of a massive fundraising challenge.
Tim Fleming MBE served in the Parachute Regiment and since his retirement in 2018 has been doing all he can to help fellow veterans.
The 65-year-old was heavily involved in supporting the family of Lee Rigby, a soldier who was attacked and murdered in 2013, and is a key forces liaison with families suffering loss and trauma
Now, the Worsbrough resident has taken part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride of 2024, with his team the Battlefield Badgers.
Over the course of last week, they cycled 244 miles across the north of France, visiting D-Day beaches including Omaha, Gold and Juno, alongside other key historical areas like Bayeux, Lisieux, Bernay and many more before ending in Paris.
Tim told the Chronicle: “I just stumbled across it on the Help for Heroes website.
“About two years ago I took up my first one which was the Somme.
“We’ve then formed a team, the Battlefield Badgers I’m not sure why we’re called that and we get together six or seven times a year to practise.
“We’re good friends now, this is our third ride and we’ve already registered for next year’s ride, which will be in Germany.”
The team managed to raise £20,194 for Help for Heroes, going beyond their original £18,000 target the event in total raised £249,984 for the charity.
They finished their journey on Saturday, settling down in Paris for a well-deserved rest.
Tim added: “It was particularly tough on the last day.
“We cycled 75 miles into Paris it was a very arduous and hard day, but worth it.
“It was a good trip and everyone completed it.
“Everyone gets on well it’s not only nice to do the bike ride, but also raise some money for charity.”
For his repeated efforts, and dedication to this massive fundraising event, Tim has been put forward at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.
