They will be remembered. Borough wide cycle ride for Royal British Legion.

Photo: Karen Jakeman

The fundraising team arrive at Lees.

Two committed fund raising stalwarts have marked the 100th Anniversary of Royal British Legion by cycling round all 12 war memorials across the borough.

Tommy Howe, chairman, and Neil Bould, poppy appeal organiser for the Lees and District Royal British Legion branch, braved the wind and rain determined to fundraise for the Poppy Appeal which has suffered due to Covid.  

Neil was a specialist infantry man for the Duke of Wellingtons regiment and Tommy an engineer in the Royal Electrical and mechanical engineers REME. 

They  were tasked by the RBL to think of inspirational ideas to mark the centenary.

So, backed  by a loyal support team, including a safety car, they cycled from Pots and Pans memorial overlooking Uppermill  to Lees District War Memorial taking in all the other War Memorials across the borough on Saturday.

And they completed their tough 50km memorial journey in just five hours 30 minutes.

Commenting after the ride, RBL  Branch President Mark Greenhalgh said proudly: "The ride was a great achievement. 

“From the riders, who proved themselves to be of great moral fibre and stamina, to all the guys and gals giving   valuable time providing support and encouragement. to all our friends and family who  have dug deep to offer financial support to a cause we all feel strongly about. 

“And obviously the local businesses that have again come up trumps in providing us with their support and time including food, drink and raffle prizes.”

He expressed huge thanks to Little Owl Farm Chapter One bar and Kitchen and Mad Hatters Lees for their  continued support

Visit  @LeesDistrictRBL Facebook page for full details of their journey and a mini profile of each cenotaph.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.