A VIRTUAL bike ride to the poppy fields of Flanders is aiming raise donations for veterans in need.

Twelve cyclists from Rhyl will each clock up the 432-mile distance to the Belgian-French battlefields during February and March by using stationary exercise bikes and outdoor cycle routes.

The fundraiser is being organised by the Rhyl branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) as the charity for Armed Forces veterans and the Poppy Appeal celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Richard Kendrick, Poppy Appeal organiser for the Rhyl branch, said the virtual bike ride is one of many online fundraisers taking place this year to raise scarce donations amid surge in demand on the charity’s services during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is the biggest anniversary we have ever had and it would have been our biggest fundraising year with lots of ideas and plans,” said Mr Kendrick. “Unfortunately because of the pandemic there is not much we can do but work around it to still raise money.

“We decided on a cycle to Flanders because that is where John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields in 1915 and the poppy became a symbol for Remembrance.”

The bike ride is aiming to raise £500 to contribute to the RBL’s expected overspend of more than £40million this year as it tries to provide services for veterans including financial support and well-being advice.

“Normally we have 30 or 40 homeless but due to Covid-19 we now have about 400,” said Mr Kendrick. “We have had a lot of veterans to support as well as widows, young families and older veterans.”

“A lot of people are struggling with unemployment and furlough so we are not setting big targets. Hopefully we will be able raise some money.”

Those taking part include Jason Jilge, Gail Harding, Sam Kendrick, Kelly Larder, Kate Jones, Colin Clews, Lynn Mellor Lodge, Karen Dean, John Dean, Leighton Simcox and staff at Rhyl care home Bradshaw Manor.

The Rhyl branch is hoping to raise a total of £10,000 during 2021, some £90,000 less than usual due to coronavirus restrictions, with other online events including performances, coffee mornings and quizzes.

Mr Kendrick added: “We are always here for a chat, offering signposting services and our case workers will help to provide any essential small items that are needed.”

Donate to the Flanders Field bike ride at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-kendrick6