joined@theHip

Lord Andrew Robathan completes ‘Wheels on the Western Front’ charity cycle event in France

Three years ago, Lord Andrew Robathan came to see Mr McMinn when his bilateral ASR devices became problematic. Mr McMinn revised his left ASR device to a custom made ceramic Birmingham Mid-Head Resection (BMHR). Last year, his right ASR cup was revised to a Polymotion® Resurfacing Cup by Mr McMinn.

This summer, Lord Robathan has put his revitalised hips to the test in an impressive charity event. The Former Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, has been raising funds for a very important cause. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity provides vital support to soldiers, veterans and their families and is the National Charity of the British Army.

Wheels on the Western Front was a cycling event that marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. The 357 mile route followed the path of Kitchener’s army around the North of France and the cyclists visited important battlefields and memorials along the way. The event took place over seven days with a total of 100 cyclists participating.

The 357 mile route

The 357 mile route

“I was persuaded to take part when invited to ‘come on a battlefield tour – and by the way we are going to bicycle around’.  The people on the ride, who were a great bunch, went from my end of the spectrum of interested tourists to mad racing cyclists – emulating Froome, Wiggins or Trott – including a serving Brigadier who did a 100 mile road race before joining us on the first day. Most of the 49 participants were somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, but the kit and expensive cycles of others exposed my amateur attitude.  It was certainly a physical challenge, which is of course satisfying to complete, but it was definitely not my thing.”

Lord Robathan cycling in France in the 'Wheels on the Western Front' challenge

Lord Robathan cycling in France in the 'Wheels on the Western Front' challenge

“The battlefields, memorials and cemeteries we visited were poignant in the extreme.  Very emotional, overwhelming sadness, pride and indeed disbelief at the courage shown by my grandparents’ generation.”

Participants in 'Wheels on the Western Front'

Participants in 'Wheels on the Western Front'. (Lord Andrew Robathan is third from the left)

“My hips seem fine. The tender area around the Right hip when cycling has gone, probably caused by the endless circular movement, so the team doctor told me. In July, I also walked up Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest point in South Wales at 2907 feet. Last month I walked in the Yorkshire Dales up Great Whernside, 704 metres, so the mobility is pretty good. I have little more to add about the hips – I do not usually notice them which is very good. I hope they see me out.”

Participants in 'Wheels on the Western Front'

Participants in 'Wheels on the Western Front'

Lord Robathan has raised over £5000 for the charity which is an exceptional amount and everyone at The McMinn Centre would like to say a huge well done to all involved! If you would like to donate to Lord Robathan’s fundraising page, please visit:

Justgiving Logo

https://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Robathan

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