Lincolnshire Air Commodore completes Dambusters Ride

On 2 May, Air Commodore Mark Hunt, from Lincolnshire, took part in the Dambusters Ride a cycle fundraiser organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity.

Head Air ISTAR in Defence Equipment and Support at RAF Waddington, Mark took part in the 100-mile cycle ride two weeks ahead of the heritage event in Lincolnshire, due to being out of the country with service commitments on the 14 May when the official ride takes place. He was handed a celebratory bottle of Petwood Bomber ale at the finish line to celebrate.

The Dambusters Ride pays tribute to the Dambusters, members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley on the night of 16-17 May 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise. It was a risky raid, dropping the revolutionary bouncing bomb at low level, and the cost was high. Of 133 aircrew who left, 53 were killed and 3 became prisoners of war.

Mark said: "Both my father and brother were in the RAF Regiment – this year is the 80th anniversary of the RAF Regiment, so completing 100 miles for the RAF Benevolent Fund seemed like a fitting tribute to them, as well as to honour the men who took part in Operation Chastise."

"Having volunteered at The Dambusters Ride last year, where I encouraged other cyclists, I wanted to be part of this tremendous challenge by participating myself.  I saw first-hand how much effort the whole team at the RAF Benevolent Fund put into the organisation of the ride to ensure a safe and fun event for all whilst raising vital funds for our RAF Family."

Mark's wife, Lisa Hunt, is a regional fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund and has been instrumental in organising the annual bike ride.

"I'm very proud of Mark for taking part in the Dambusters Ride and helping to raise money for the Fund. The Dambusters Ride was an enormous success in 2021, raising nearly £200,000 for the Fund. We want this year’s event to be even bigger!"

There's still time to sign up for our Heritage event, but be quick, spaces are limited!