The IPT were supported over the course of 24 hours with help from over 40 MPs, the Deputy Serjeant at Arms, Mr. Speaker, security officers and even the Military Wives. Participants were each invited to cycle for 10 minutes at a time, reaching a total of 280 miles; the equivalent to cycling from the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to the European Parliament in Brussels.
Graham said: “Since 1922, The Poppy Factory (formerly the Disabled Society) has employed wounded, injured and sick ex-service personnel in its factory, and in recent years has expanded its work to facilitate employment of wounded, injured and sick ex-service men and women throughout the UK. Injuries or delayed illness can shatter the lives of these brave troops. The factory helps them regain their self-respect and confidence in order to earn a living, so that they can feel a valuable member of society again. The Richmond Factory itself employs 47 members of staff, who are responsible for the manufacture of poppies, wreaths and Remembrance crosses in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
“The Poppy Factory today offers a comprehensive career support package to help wounded, injured and sick ex-Service men and women find and sustain civilian employment. It sources appropriate opportunities for work and seeks to help remove the barriers which might prevent ex-Service men and women from easily accessing the civilian workplace.
“I was very pleased to get on my bike to support the factory and the excellent work they do.”