Cycling for heroes
384. Steve Craddock
A former serviceman who has raised over a staggering £350,000 for Help the Heroes over the past seven years.
Steve Craddock, a former Royal Engineer for 13 years which included 6 operational tours on peacekeeping duties in Northern Ireland, was inspired to raise money for Help for Heroes following the loss of a number of friends and wanted to make a difference.
Steve, 58, has raised nearly £350,000 for Help for Heroes and his money raising efforts have included golf days, quiz nights, black tie dinners and a Help for Heroes stadium event in Gillingham Football ground between the Royal Engineers and ex-Premiership players. Steve’s fundraising objective is to raise £500,000 for Help for Heroes and despite only discovered cycling a few years ago it is now very much part of his life and goes hand in hand with reaching his fundraising objective.
Last year, Steve organised a Cycle for Heroes ride with over 120 riders participating and raised over £6,500 for Help for Heroes. Steve also takes part in numerous personal challenges including the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Ride and The Alpine Challenge. The money Steve has raised has gone towards building a cycle storage unit and cycle workshop at Help for Heroes Recovery Centre at Tedworth House, Wiltshire. Steve’s next fundraising event, The Band of The Corps of Royal Engineers in Concert, is taking place on Wednesday 18th November with all monies raised going to Help for Heroes.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“As we remember all those who have served in our Armed Forces this weekend, it is right that we should also thank those who raise funds to support charities that play a vital role in the lives of current and former forces personnel. Since he left the Royal Engineers, Steve has raised an incredible amount of money for Help for Heroes through a huge number of events including their first ever stadium event. As the nation gives thanks to our Armed Forces I am delighted to recognise Steve as the UK’s 384th Point of Light.”
Steve Craddock said:
“It’s great that you can actually see where your money goes, and that Help for Heroes is reconnecting our armed forces with the people of this country which is hugely important in generating the means to adequately support our wounded.”