David Rees AM takes part in Annual Poppy Ride

David Rees, Assembly Member for Aberavon, has shown his support for the Armed Forces and Veterans by taking part in The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Ride in the Senedd last week, which coincided with the start of the annual Poppy Appeal. The annual event, taking place for a fourth year, saw Assembly Members and staff take up the challenge of riding as far as possible in three-minutes, competing against each other for the honour of winning a prestigious Legion yellow jersey.

The ride which raises awareness of the work of the Legion and the issues of the Armed Forces community takes place in a unique setting. Throughout the event Legion staff were on hand to talk to participants about the unseen sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community, in Wales and beyond, every day.

Assembly Members were joined by the Legion’s Area Manager for Wales Ant Metcalfe, Legion staff from across Wales and were supported by students from the local Military Preparation College for Training. Pure Gym Cardiff, once again generously supported the event by providing the static bikes.

David Rees AM said: “Each day our Armed Forces provide an incredible service to our country in all kinds of ways, many of which we don’t necessarily see, but all of which impact our lives. It was thought-provoking to hear some of the stories of how the Legion are helping the Armed Forces community and I look forward to working alongside them to support this inspirational group of people in the future.”

Ant Metcalfe, Wales Area Manager for the Royal British Legion said: “The Poppy Ride has become a popular event in the Assembly calendar, with the friendly competitive nature of Assembly Members coming to the fore. It provides us with a great platform to talking to the AM’s and their staff about the needs of the Armed Forces and veteran community and the work of the Legion in Wales in a relaxed and informal setting. I would like to extend my thanks to every person who came along today.”

Ends 

Notes to Editors

The Royal British Legion is the nation’s biggest Armed Forces charity, providing care and support to members of the Armed Forces past and present, and their families. The Legion champions Remembrance and is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy. www.britishlegion.org.uk  of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. The Legion champions Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy.www.britishlegion.org.uk