September 17, 2013 3.49 pm This story is over 126 months old

Ex-Red Arrows and Emma Egging take on ambitious cycle trek for charity

Off-road trekkers: The widow of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging is accompanying four ex-Red Arrows pilots on a gruelling cycling challenge for charity.
Emma Egging of The Jon Egging Trust (centre left) with Duncan Mason of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Trustee of The Jon Egging Trust, Scott Morley and Andrew ‘Boomer’ Keith.

The widow of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging is accompanying four ex-Red Arrows pilots on a gruelling cycling challenge.

On September 17, Emma Egging of The Jon Egging Trust joined the former Arrows pilots from St. Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the East Coast, all off-road cycling.

The 175-mile ride will go via the peaks of the Lake District, Pennines and Yorkshire Moors.

In addition, the team want to complete the trek in 48 hours or less on their mountain bikes.

The trek will raise money for the Jon Egging Trust’s Blue Skies programme, which serves to inspire underprivileged young people between 12 and 15 to achieve their potential, despite their difficulties.

The Trust was set up shortly after the death of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging, who was involved in a fatal crash at Bournemouth Air Festival.

This programme now runs in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Bournemouth and North Wales, and plans to expand further.

Emma Egging said: “Jon was supposed to have taken part in a charity cycle ride across the UK with 10 riders from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 10 from the Red Arrows and 10 from the Blades Aerobatic Team in October that year.

“I took Jon’s place in that event, and set up a charity in his name that serves to inspire underprivileged young people.

“Since 2011, the Jon Egging Trust has gone from strength to strength and is now becoming a national charity with projects occurring all over the UK.

“Sponsoring us in our painful quest across the country will make and enormous difference to many children nationwide, so please give generously.”

To donate to Emma’s cause and support the team’s journey, visit her Just Giving page.