Local representatives Nia Griffith MP and Lee Waters AM, along with the Director General of the Royal British Legion and over 80 other Members of Parliament and Assembly Members raced against the clock on an exercise bike to raise money for the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
The 12 hour bike ride was held from 08:00 to 20:00 in Parliament and the Senedd, aimed at raising money for the Legion’s national Poppy Appeal. Llanelli was the only constituency where both the MP and the AM took part, with both Nia Griffith and Lee Waters cycling as far as they could in 5 minutes. Nia managed 1.33 miles and Lee 2.15 miles.
The bike ride was organised by the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) in association with the Royal British Legion and with a total of 133 miles ridden beats the successful bike ride held in 2015 (where 77 MPs and Peers cycled a total of 128.8 miles in 12 hours).
The two legislatures aimed between them to cycle the distance from Westminster to the Somme in France, to mark this year’s centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
MPs were encouraged to donate as they took part, with all of the money raised on the day going to help the Royal British Legion provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community. The Central Parliament Poppy Appeal is the only charity that can fundraise in Parliament.
Lee Waters, said:
“Nia and I are both regular cyclists so we didn’t break a sweat doing this fun challenge. It was a great way to raise awareness of the work the Legion are doing in Llanelli and across the country.”
Nia Griffith added:
“This year the Royal British Legion is highlighting their Rethink Remembrance campaign which is asking us not only to associate Remembrance with the First and Second World Wars, but also to think of a new generation of veterans and service personnel who need our support – support we should all be proud to give.”