SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity

Jay's page

Jay Birch

Jay Birch

My Story

I spent a few years in the British Army and eventually ended up leaving of my own accord. Since then I felt like somewhat an imposter regarding my veteran status, having never been "on tour". 

But, when my personal situation got to the bottom rung in life, SSAFA were there to give me the step up I needed. Through liaison with my old regiment, I was given a second chance and I have always wanted to repay them for the work they did for me, and countless other servicemen, veterans and families.

This is why I have looked toward the RideLondon event. Cycling is in my soul and if I can carry out an endurance event and raise funds at the same time for a charity who looked after me, then it is the perfect mix!


Ford RideLondon is the world’s greatest festival of cycling giving you the rare chance to enjoy riding a range of distances on traffic-free roads throughout London and into the beautiful Essex countryside. The event inspires tens of thousands of people to get onto their bikes, to cycle more often and to take fewer trips by car.

Whichever feat of cycling endurance you choose to take on, it's sure to impress your friends and family, presenting a great fundraising opportunity!

Here's where you can shout about your cycling challenge and get those donations rolling in...

57%

Funded

  • Target
    £750
  • Raised so far
    £430
  • Number of donors
    7

My Story

I spent a few years in the British Army and eventually ended up leaving of my own accord. Since then I felt like somewhat an imposter regarding my veteran status, having never been "on tour". 

But, when my personal situation got to the bottom rung in life, SSAFA were there to give me the step up I needed. Through liaison with my old regiment, I was given a second chance and I have always wanted to repay them for the work they did for me, and countless other servicemen, veterans and families.

This is why I have looked toward the RideLondon event. Cycling is in my soul and if I can carry out an endurance event and raise funds at the same time for a charity who looked after me, then it is the perfect mix!


Ford RideLondon is the world’s greatest festival of cycling giving you the rare chance to enjoy riding a range of distances on traffic-free roads throughout London and into the beautiful Essex countryside. The event inspires tens of thousands of people to get onto their bikes, to cycle more often and to take fewer trips by car.

Whichever feat of cycling endurance you choose to take on, it's sure to impress your friends and family, presenting a great fundraising opportunity!

Here's where you can shout about your cycling challenge and get those donations rolling in...