Ged gets his wings for Leonard Cheshire
A local man has helped raise more than £3,000 for leading disability charity Leonard Cheshire after pledging to take on a unique VE Day cycling challenge while dressed as an Avro Lancaster bomber.
Ged Beaumont, 60, from Magor near Newport, will take on a 12 hour bike ride in his garden without a break on VE Day (8 May) in the 6ft-long costume.
The money will go towards Leonard Cheshire’s work combatting loneliness and isolation among disabled people in Wales during lockdown.
Ged’s unusual outfit is, of course, a nod to the charity’s founder, RAF war hero Leonard Cheshire, who served on Lancaster bombers during the Second World War.
When asked what motivated him to take on such a challenge, Ged said:
“It’s for the residents more than anything. You see how busy and motivated the staff are, the carers and nurses, and it’s just my way of helping. I know Leonard Cheshire would be so proud of his legacy in Wales.”
Ged’s wife, Julie, works for Leonard Cheshire’s Wales team and helped Ged construct the Lancaster.
Julie said:
“He can’t help himself. He just wants to make a difference. He saw Captain Tom take to his garden, and his brain started working overtime. I’m so proud of him.”
Ged has spent his life fundraising, and with Julie he raised more than £27,000 for Leonard Cheshire’s Tour de Cymru cycling project in 2017.
Emma Wilcox, fundraising manager for Leonard Cheshire in Wales, said:
“Ged and Julie are a formidable team and we are all so proud of them. They never fail to bring joy to others. Whether it’s baking cookies for staff or driving across Wales to deliver much needed PPE to the front line, they are true heroes. This latest adventure is typical of the effort they put into fundraising, 100% original and 100% fun.”
Glyn Meredith, director of Leonard Cheshire Wales, added:
“Like most charities, our income is down and our operating costs are up. The people we care for need the support of their communities more than ever.
"It’s a scary time for residents. They aren’t seeing loved ones, carers are wearing masks and they aren’t getting out of the services.”
With VE Day commemorations scaled back this year, and people planning virtual celebrations at home, Ged’s VE Day “flight of fancy” is one to watch.
To support Ged and Leonard Cheshire Cymru, or to set up your own fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/leonardcheshirecymru.