RAF Odiham's 70 mile cycle ride along Basingstoke Canal

The challenge is set to take place today (Thursday) and will take place on the canal from Odiham to Addlestone and back, covering a total of 70 miles.

The team includes Dean Pyle, Alex Hughes, Stuart Crichton, Chris Cubitt, Lee Cunnick, Tom Hukin and Kay Edwards.

The group, all aged between 23 and 33 years, hail from the Survival Equipment Section of the RAF and are responsible for the repair, rectification and modification of all survival equipment including life rafts, harnesses and helmets.

Corporal Dean Pyle, 33, said: “Every year Survival Equipment holds a charity event.

“We wanted to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund as we fully understand what the charity does for members of the RAF family.

“It feels like a perfect way to give a little bit back to a great charity that recognises what the RAF do, and the stress our jobs can cause.

“We hope the money we raise will go towards helping more serving RAF and RAF veterans with any problems they may come up against. If our fundraising enables the RAF Benevolent Fund to even help one person, we will feel like we achieved what we set out to do.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity was founded in 1919 and helps support families of those in the RAF. It receives no government funding and relies on events such as these to continue its work.

Heather Kemp, regional fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Those based at RAF Odiham have constantly shown support for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“How Dean and the team have found the time to train for this challenge is beyond me, but on behalf of the charity, we are very grateful for their dedication and enthusiasm.

“Best of luck boys, show us your pedal power.”

The team from the Survival Equipment Section is hoping to raise £1,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The team is welcoming financial support from the wider public.

To support and donate to the team’s cycle ride efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dean-pyle1.