ADS members raise over £12,500 for charity

The inaugural ADS Charity Cycle has raised more than £12,500 for five UK charities.

Taking place over six days, participants cycled 478 miles from Rosyth in Scotland down to Farnborough, seeing the role that defence and security companies play in local communities first hand. 

The ride brought together 22 cyclists from across the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors. Averaging 90 miles each day, the group journeyed through the scenic countryside of Fife, Cumbria, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire. Steep climbs and shifting conditions of rain and wind challenged the group’s endurance, but on the sixth day, joined by eight additional riders, the group arrived at Farnborough International where they were warmly welcomed by members of the local community. 

The route featured visits to ADS member sites including Babcock International, Oxley Group, and Explosive Learning Solutions (ELS), where riders learned about the impressive social value initiatives our industries are delivering to local communities across the UK. 

The event raised funds for five organisations: 

• Furness Education and Skills Partnership – supporting skills development for young people. 
• Forces Wives Challenge – empowering women in the Armed Forces community through adventure. 
• Motivez – inspiring and equipping young people for future careers. 
• SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity providing lifelong support for service personnel and their families. 
• The National Museum of the Royal Navy – preserving and sharing naval heritage. 

ADS Chief Executive Kevin Craven said: “The first ADS Charity Cycle has shown the energy, teamwork, and generosity of our community. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference to the work of these five outstanding charities. 

The event was only possible due to the support of communities throughout the UK, as well as numerous defence industry sponsors including DHL, ELS, Martin Precision, Oxley Group, Seko Logistics, and TT Electronics. 

With its mix of sector collaboration, community engagement, and determination on the road, the inaugural ADS Charity Cycle has set the pace for future fundraising challenges which we as the industry’s trade association will continue to champion.”