Thales cyclist accepts the Brompton Challenge

Tim Coogan, Computing & Information Systems Lead for the Innovation Hub in Crawley, will be one of at least 75 cyclists riding a Brompton folding bicycle from Paris to London to commemorate the Battle of Britain later this year.

From 8-12 September, Tim will cycle 211 miles, helping to raise at least £75,000 with his fellow cyclists for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

As well as supporting a worthy cause, Tim will be part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in which the RAF triumphed over the Luftwaffe. Although vastly outnumbered, the RAF fought a relentless aerial battle against the German bombers as they attempted to secure the skies over Britain as a prelude to a full Nazi invasion.

On 15 September 1940, the Luftwaffe turned away from British shores and the Battle of Britain was won, prompting Winston Churchill to famously declare “Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many, to so Few.”

Tim says: “Everyone’s heard of the Battle of Britain but I hope the commemorative activities, such as the Brompton Bicycle Challenge, will inspire people to find out more about the events that took place during the summer of 1940 and ensure we never forget the important role the RAF played in the Second World War.”

The Brompton Challenge is also a great way to raise awareness of the fantastic work done by the RAFBF, supporting past and present servicemen and women.” Tim Coogan, Computing & Information Systems Lead, Innovation Hub

“My father served with the RAF for 22 years and was deployed in various places around the world. Luckily, he has never needed the RAFBF’s services but it is reassuring to know they are there.”

The RAFBF was formed in 1919 and provides financial, practical and emotional support to members of the RAF family in their time of need.

If you would like to support the RAFBF and sponsor Tim as he takes on the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Brompton Bicycle Challenge, please visit his JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Coogan-RAFBF.

Supporting Thales partner charities

The Brompton Challenge isn’t the first time Tim has taken part in a Thales sponsored event.  In 2013, he completed the Thales to Paris cycle ride for Alzheimer’s Society, cycling from our Crawley site to the French capital. “It’s been a while since my last fundraising challenge and this event gives me the opportunity to do the return leg of the ride I did two years ago.”

Looking ahead to September, Tim says: “I am most looking forward to riding through the French and English countryside with like-minded people. I am a keen cyclist and really enjoy the social aspect of the sport.”

I think the hardest part for me will be getting used to riding a Brompton bicycle; the small wheels and limited gears are very different to my normal bike. My first experience of a Brompton will be on the first morning of the ride!” Tim Coogan

Although he has yet to be acquainted with his Brompton bike, Tim will be physically ready for the challenge ahead. “I train for and compete in triathlons throughout the year. I’ll be taking on the Vitruvian Half Ironman 10 days before the RAFBF Brompton ride so I won't be doing much extra training.”

If you would like to join Tim and take part in the RAFBF Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Brompton Bicycle Challenge, places are still available. Please visit www.ride25.com/rafbf to find out more.