Can you help me support our Armed Forces?

I am taking part in 13 Bridges Challenge in support of SSAFA

I am taking part in 13 Bridges Challenge in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. On 27th June 2026 I will be walking 10-mile's across 13 iconic bridges in London, to celebrate National Armed Forces Day and raise vital funds to support our Armed Forces Community.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 50,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

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My Achievements

Fundraising page

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

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Self Donated

50% of Fundraising Target

100% Target Raised

Received 5 Donations

Thanked Donors

Reached Distance Goal

Increased Fundraising Target

My Updates

Day 6 London

Friday 26th Jun

Today is the day. Final kilometres. I feel strong. I’m positive. I feel ready. I feel good.

After a healthy breakfast, I find myself cycling towards Greenwich first then central London side by side a four lane highway. What an energy. Again, another hot day. I slow down and take breaks although water is running down my skin.

I get lost frequently, taking wrong exits, wrong directions. Is it the heat? Exhaustion? Delirium? In Greenwich, I reward myself with a nice and delicious ice cream. My trophy!

And then, London per bike. Wow, comme ça roule. And how much fun that is?!?!? I absolutely adore it ! All of a sudden, the Tower Bridge. Covered by goosebumps I get off my bike, realising what I have just completed. I’m overwhelmed. I may be overwhelmed.

What a tough ride the classic route is. Not because we had up to 42 degree Celsius, but because it is so natural, rough, suitable for full-suspension MTB rather than gravel bikes.

Day 5 Calais - Rochester

Friday 26th Jun

5 a.m. the alarm goes off. It's ferry time! It took me almost half an hour to ride all the way to the right "entrance" and get through all controls. After that, I'm the first in my row. What a picture! What a relief! And then: it's pouring cats and dogs out of the blue!!! Selling shelter in the hall.

Cyclists are allowed to hop on and off first! whow! Love it! The cruise took 1.5h and went smoothly. The exit in Dover is exceptionally well done. You just need to follow the red line. It will will guide you out of the jungle of cement pillars, fences and gates.

Then, I accept the challenge and dare to ride rhe Pilgrim way, which is said to be muddy when wet. Since it's been hot and dry, I have a look and... found myself in muddy terrain. This lasts for 30-40km!!!! Despite the difficult riding conditions, I am unstoppable. I'm strong today and don't want to stop.

In the end, I save 70km for tomorrow.

Day 4 Hesdin - Calais

Friday 26th Jun

Am I going to make it to the ferry today? I bought a ticket because I read (and checked online) that very tickets for that popular route sell out. So I, got one for next morning.

The day is hot, unsweetened and almost supermarket-free. Topping up water in every occasion. The downhill to Calais is long and straight. Too luring to gravel through forest, so decided to stay in the road and enjoy the wind. It was a joy indeed. Rolling into Calais was fabulous, including sightseeing.

Happy to have made it.

Day 3 Amiens - Hesdin

Friday 26th Jun

Iallowed myself to explore beautiful Amiens this morning before I hit the road again. Couldn't believe to be spoiled with nicely rideable surface alongside a canal. Enjoying shadow and surface. There are not many restaurants along the route, so use what i

therethe second half of the day is hilly and hot. As every day these days. Making my way,slowly and gradually to Hesdin, where I found an AirBnB for tonight.

Day 2 Chaumontel - Amiens

Monday 22nd Jun

First full day in the saddle. Mais ça roule pas. Heavy gravel roads, very bad surfaces demand all my energy and attention. It takes me long to do the 130km. Along the road: beautiful places like Chantilly and Beauvais. I take it all in and keep on pedaling.

41°C

Monday 22nd Jun

Day 1 Villepinte - Chaumontel

Saturday 20th Jun

4.40 pm departure from Villepinte, where i supported my employer at its stand at Eurosatory.

It took 30km to get out of Paris. But then, first meadows, grass, green countryside, trees - things I hadn't seen for 1 week. With 38 degree Celcius today I kept the pace down and myself hydrated.

Spent the night in a lovely countryside lodge and got a good portion of good sleep.

Start of my fundraising journey

Saturday 20th Jun

Today, i started my journey from Paris to London. 563 kilometers to support the SSAFA.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£20

Christian Zissimou

£16.74

Nicola Leigh

Thank you for making such an incredible journey to join us this weekend, Astrid. Safe travels, and I can't wait to walk the 13 Bridges Challenge with you! 😊

£11.55