BAE Systems supports Desert Charity Challenge

In a handover ceremony held recently at Skate Shack, Budaiya, Mark Simpkins, General Manager, BAE SYSTEMS, Bahrain handed over a Trek mountain bike to Yvonne Trueman, a long time resident of Bahrain and active social worker, who will be participating in the Jordan Desert Challenge next year.

The Jordan Desert Challenge, a 300 kilometre cycle ride through the Jordan Valley to the shores of the Red sea, is the first 'Let's Bike for Children' cycle ride organised by Action for Charity in the United Kingdom. The Desert Challenge which will take place over March 11th to the 18th next year will raise funds for five children's charities, including: Barnardo's, ChildLine, Dreams Come True, Kith & Kids and MedEqip4Kids.

Yvonne Trueman, a former BAE SYSTEMS employee, has been resident in Bahrain since 1978 and is a keen fundraiser for many local and international charities, including Dreamflight which organises once in a lifetime holidays for sick, Bahraini children with British Airways. Earlier this year Yvonne was awarded the MBE by HRH Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity.

The BAE SYSTEMS sponsored bike will help Yvonne to train for the rugged and hilly terrain of Jordan as she prepares to bike across the country to raise money for charity.

'We are always looking for ways to give back to the community; Yvonne is a courageous, spirited individual whose energy and dedication to her cause is inspirational. As she prepares for the Jordan Desert Challenge next year we hope ours is the first of many donations that comes her way,' said Mark Simpkins, General Manager, BAE SYSTEMS, Bahrain.

Yvonne, who has also completed the London and New York marathons, will be training hard for the next few months in preparation for her gruelling adventure.