Culdrose Aircrewman's ride for charity

Arriving back at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose after an amazing 2500 mile cycle ride former Royal Navy Search and Rescue Aircrewman Colin Hicks was staggered by the warmth of the reception he received. 

There to greet Colin, who had during his challenge cycled to every Search and Rescue base in the country, were his family, members from the SAR Community on 771 Naval Air Squadron and friends from Pink Wigs Events.

This Charity was set up by Sally his wife after she was diagnosed with stage three HER2 positive breast cancer; a particularly aggressive form of the disease. “During her chemotherapy, radiotherapy and mastectomy surgeries Sally formed Pink Wig Events along with some passionate friends,” said Colin. “They’ve developed a successful fundraising group and raised thousands; I hope my contribution will swell their coffers.” 

In all Colin’s Base to Base cycle ride took in 27 airbases around the country from RNAS Culdrose in the far South West of Cornwall right up to those in the Shetlands and Outer Hebrides, and back again to his old Squadron, 771 NAS with the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. 

Lieutenant Commander Paul Robinson, the Squadron’s Senior Observer was on hand to welcome Colin, “It’s an honour to see a former member of the Squadron and help him with this very important charity, which means so much to him. For Colin to finish his mammoth ride back here at 771 NAS, RNAS Culdrose where he served is an inspiration to us all.” 

Speaking about his staggering ride Colin had only praise for others efforts. “I hope by doing this I’ve raised awareness of breast cancer and thousands of pounds as well. My wife Sally and all the other ladies who’ve gone through it are the true inspiration for me. My hat goes off, not for what I’ve done but for their courage. The support from the Squadron and this reception is unbelievable. I only got on my bike and cycled 80 miles a day, the organising of the event by others was the hardest bit”.