Stephen Craddock, 58 from Chatham is Help for Heroes’ biggest single fundraiser, having raised over £362,000 for the charity and yet he hasn’t stopped there.
This year he was made patron of the Kent Sports Trust and on 10-11th September, he and a team of ex-Royal Engineers from the Medway Branch will be riding around the Brands Hatch circuit non-stop for 24 hours at Revolve24, the cycling endurance event.
Members of the team are all over 50 and are using riding to get in better shape. Many are recovering from physical and psychological conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Stephen is playing the role of team coach, teaching them about how to use their gears and improve their stamina while having fun.
Craddock, who has been given the Prime Minister’s Point of Light award, is taking part in Revolve24, the fast but safe closed-circuit 24 hour endurance event at Brands Hatch on 10-11 September 2016.
The challenge combines smooth asphalt, arduous climbs, exhilarating descents and a supportive festival atmosphere, along with the thrill of riding on a world-class motor circuit.
The 24hr event is open to soloists, duos and teams of four, six and eight riders. New for 2016 is the track-based 12hr “Dusk ‘til Dawn’ challenge, the 6-Hour relay and a British Cycling men’s and women’s omnium.
Stephen recognises that Brands Hatch isn’t an easy circuit. He says “We’ll be riding one lap at a time. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow they go. I say to them “you’re still going faster than if you were sitting on a couch. It’s a wonderful thing to be part of”.”
Stephen served as a sapper in the Royal Engineers for 15 years and went on six peacekeeping tours in Northern Ireland. Stephen was diagnosed with PTSD eight years ago, which he says: “Will never go away, but riding 60 miles each day keeps me sane. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for cycling.”
In March this year Stephen joined a group of 38 cyclists and rode for ten days across Thailand and Burma, alongside H4H patron Jodie Kidd. He said Jodie was very down-to-earth and “just one of the lads”.
Stephen is looking forward to Revolve24. He says: “As an ex-service team of squaddies, we will have fun camping out the night before with a few beers before getting an early night.”
With a cyclocross trail, camping, family mountain biking and children’s bike testing, Revolve24 is inclusive event for all ages. Mission Motorsport is an official charity partner.
The organisation is run by veterans, serving officers and motorsport professionals and aids in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport.
The group has ‘kidnapped’ the Revolve24 pace bike and is currently transforming it into something special.
Join Revolve24 at www.revolve24.com