Three former British Armed Forces Veterans, with an average age of 66, are taking on a 1,000-mile charity cycle ride from Plymouth to Bilbao to help raise vital funds and awareness for both Myeloma UK and Fisher House UK.  The 12-day endurance challenge will see the team cover an average of 75 miles per day, cycling through the UK, France and Spain.

All three cyclists, Roy Dixon, Garry Mitchell and Ian Davies served in the British Army and continue to be driven by the values of resilience, teamwork and service.

Roy Dixon is a Warwickshire Freemason and is the Provincial Junior Grand Warden designate for the Province in 2026.  In 2019 he joined with Ian Davies, and a couple of other army veterans to form the Atlantic Mavericks, to row 3,000 across the Atlantic Ocean.

Ian was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2014; he subsequently had two bone marrow transplants at the QE in Birmingham and during this treatment, his family were able to use the facilities at Fisher House.  Ian is now in a good remission and is determined to give something back:

“After everything that this cancer has put me through, this ride is about proving that life doesn’t stop with a cancer diagnosis.  We are riding to support others facing myeloma and to help military families who are going through their own battles.”

Funds raised will support:

• Patients and families affected by myeloma.
• Accommodation and support for military families at Fisher House, while loved ones are receiving care at the Centre for Defence Medicine at the QE in Birmingham.

The Team hopes their challenge will inspire others to support the charities and demonstrate that age and adversity are no barriers to helping others and making a difference.