Support Will Cadbury on his 320-mile Charity Cycle

Posted on: 16/05/2025

Category: Firm news

Our very own Will Cadbury is participating in an inspiring 320-mile cycling challenge this June. He will be cycling from Gheluvelt Park in Worcester to Gheluvelt in Ypres, Belgium over the course of four days in order to commemorate the courageous sacrifice of the Worcestershire Regiment and their efforts during World War I.

 

Will recently attended a networking lunch in aid of the cause and was inspired by the story. He says, “I was not aware of the significance of the Battle of Gheluvelt or even the reason behind the name of Gheluvelt Park. After listening to the story behind the battle and sacrifices made I was inspired to dust off my bike in the garage and take up the challenge. We have a great support team assisting us along the way and I am looking forward to a Belgian beer when we arrive!”

Their charitable endeavour also aims to celebrate Worcestershire’s rich and diverse history and raise vital funds for three fantastic charities:

• St Richard’s Hospice: provides compassionate care and support for individuals and families dealing with serious, progressive illnesses.
• Alzheimer's Society: campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today.
• Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire): preserves and shares the rich military heritage of Worcestershire's historic regiments.

Gheluvelt’s importance to Worcester

Gheluvelt Park is a public park in Worcester, opened on June 17, 1922 and inaugurated by Field Marshal John French, 1st Earl of Ypres. Gheluvelt Park honours the Worcestershire Regiment’s 2nd Battalion for their critical role in the Battle of Gheluvelt.

• On October 31, 1914, the 2nd Worcestershire Regiment was in reserve at Polygon Wood, facing increasing German bombardment.
• The battalion was ready to defend the British line, despite being reduced to about 500 men.
• A significant German attack led to the loss of Gheluvelt and a gap in the British defensive line, prompting a counter-attack order for the 2nd Worcestershire.
• Major Hankey led the battalion on a counter-attack to reclaim Gheluvelt, emphasising the need for speed and coordination.
• The 2nd Worcestershire advanced across open ground under heavy enemy fire, suffering significant casualties while maintaining their charge.
• The battalion successfully engaged the disordered German troops at Gheluvelt Chateau, aided by the earlier defence of the South Wales Borderers.
• Despite fierce fighting, the Worcestershire managed to push the Germans back and occupy key positions, preventing further enemy advances.
• The counter-attack was deemed a critical success, averting a potential disaster for the British army and saving Ypres from capture.
• The 2nd Worcestershire suffered heavy losses, with 187 men killed or wounded, yet their actions were pivotal in stabilising the front line.
• The bravery of the 2nd Worcestershire, along with the South Wales Borderers' defence and artillery support, played a crucial role in the battle's outcome.

Find out more about Gheluvelt at the Worcestershire Regiment website.

An overview of the route

On Day 1, the group will cycle from Gheluvelt Park, Worcester to Newbury - a distance of 83 miles.

Day 2 is the 80 mile trip from Newbury to Crawley.

On Day 3, the group will travel another 90 miles from Crawley to Dover.

Finally, on Day 4, the group will get a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, then cycle to Ypres and visit the Gheluvelt Chateau, a distance of 52 miles. In the evening, they will be visiting the Menin Gate.

How you can help out

The group is aiming to reach an overall donation target of £5,000, which will be split between three vital causes: St Richard's Hospice, Alzheimer's Society, and the Mercian Regiment Museum. You can support Will Cadbury's journey by making a donation through GiveWheel:

Help Will reach his personal target of £500

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference:

• Support the compassionate care provided by St Richard's Hospice to those with serious illnesses
• Help fund vital research and support for people living with dementia through Alzheimer's Society
• Contribute to preserving Worcestershire's military heritage at the Mercian Regiment Museum

Keep an eye on our website and social media for more updates on the journey, as well as training updates from Will. We’re wishing him and the group the best of luck!