HELEN MARY JONES AM TAKES PART IN POPPY RIDE

Helen Mary Jones AM takes part in Poppy Ride

The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Ride in the Senedd took place ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Helen Mary Jones AM rode 1.62km in 5 minutes.

The annual event, taking place for a third year in a row, saw Assembly Members and staff take up the challenge of riding in five minute intervals and compete against each other.

The ride this year was themed around The Royal British Legion’s Thank You movement, which is calling on people to say Thank You to the First World War generation in the lead up the centenary of armistice.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West Wales AM Helen Mary Jones said:

“This year’s Remembrance Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and the end of the first world war.

“The Royal British Legion’s ‘Thank you 100’, remembers those who served; sacrificed between 1914 and 1918.”

AMs were joined by Legion Area Manager Ant Metcalfe, staff and members from across Wales along with support from six students from the local Military Preparation College for Training. The bikes were provided by Pure Gym Cardiff who generously supported the event for the third year.

Ant Metcalfe, Wales Area Manager for the Legion said:

“We are once again very grateful to everyone who supported the Poppy Ride this year. This event is becoming a tradition in the Senedd, and we are always pleased to see the competitive spirit of Assembly Members and staff members. The event aims to mark remembrance in a different way, and alongside other national events helps to mark the launch of the Poppy Appeal each year.

“We are grateful to everyone who took part and came to talk to us about the event. This event is a different, way of marking the Remembrance period alongside all of the other vital local and national events the Legion is involved with at this time. It is always a real team effort and we were delighted to be able to work with the Assembly to host this once again and raise awareness of the work we do and those we support”.

During the day, 54 people took part with 21 Assembly Members taking up the challenge from across all five of the Assembly parties. As in previous years, Assembly staff again demonstrated their competitive streak, turning up in great numbers and attempting to beat the distances of their colleagues.