We are pleased to announce that we are supporting the Force’s Wives as they embark on their journey to tackle the WWII Freedom Trial across the Pyrenees Mountains on horseback. The team will cover a total of 130km over 5 consecutive days in the saddle riding up to 7 hours each day.
This endeavour deeply resonates with the FWC community and it holds a special significance for Steph, a member of FWC who became disabled three years ago and now relies on a wheelchair.
The Ride to Freedom team are raising money for the Armed Forces Equine Charity, who are designed to tackle a range of issues from loneliness to addiction, mental health problems to physical disability; they want to help everyone and realise their potential.
Meet the Team
Kate
‘For me, taking part in the FWC Ride to Freedom is about finding myself again. I’m so grateful to the team at FWC for this incredible opportunity which will give me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and do something extraordinary, instead of standing at the side-lines hoping I have the strength to simply get through the day.’
‘Each one of us has got our reasons for taking part; by supporting each other during this extraordinary challenge I know we’ll each achieve our goal to ‘find our freedom‘
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Steph
‘Working for FWC has been life changing for me in so many ways. When I found FWC, it felt like I had found myself again. My life has purpose, and I instantly felt this connection with all our members. Being surrounded by like-minded women, who are going out there and taking on these huge challenges, whilst playing their important part as a military spouse/partner, gave me overwhelming inspiration and determination to push myself too.’
‘I am so excited to take on this challenge, albeit a little nervous too! FWC’s Ride to Freedom means something different for each of our team members and I cannot wait to share this physically and mentally challenging journey with all of them.’
Vanessa
‘I always dreamed of adventure but was not able to consider one with international life and children. Now, being a more confident and resilient person, I feel it’s my time to grip adventure with both hands and rise to the Ride to Freedom challenge.’
‘I am particularly excited to be working with a team of extraordinary women, supporting each other to achieve our Ride to Freedom.’
‘I’d also like to show my children that they can achieve anything they dream of. It’s inspirational to follow a path that women before me have trodden in breaking down barriers to womens’ freedoms.‘
Robyn
‘Whilst living and working in New Zealand I found the thrill of travel and the excitement of finding a surprise around every corner. This challenge has already rekindled my love of adventure and exploring the unknown and I can only dream of what it will be like once we are in the Pyrenees.’
‘This Challenge will be a fantastic opportunity for me to push myself out of my comfort zone and back into doing something I truly love. It will be amazing to do this alongside like-minded women, all on our own personal journey.’
Ronnie
Once you’ve spent a weekend in the company of this amazing community, your perspective on life is altered. Like Heather, my experience of military life had been from ‘the inside’. Now, I need encouragement and inspiration from those who support their military partner, often to the detriment of their own personal goals. It’s important to create opportunities that bring together such a diverse community where we can all learn from each other and achieve amazing team goals together’
Heather
‘I now saw military life on the other side of the fence and my eyes were opened to the incredible sacrifices made by the families to enable their loved ones to serve. I wanted to give something back, to provide this community with some of the fabulous opportunities I had experienced in the military‘
‘Having been the only woman on numerous occasions, both in the military and on adventures, I was passionate about creating a female-only organisation that promotes opportunities for women to push themselves out of their comfort zone and build confidence and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.‘
‘I feel incredibly honoured to be on the Ride to Freedom team to support my wonderful friend Steph and fellow FWC ladies. This challenge will demonstrate that anything is possible if you want it badly enough – you just need to find a way to make it happen.‘
Hannah
‘I cannot wait to spend a week with these incredible ladies. We are each overcoming our own challenges whilst we follow the route of those who fled for their lives. The juxtaposition of volunteering to do this on horseback vs those who had no choice is something I will hold in my mind throughout this experience.‘
Emily
‘In my job I look after all types of horses with medical problems ranging from colic to pneumonia. My special interest, in equine neonatology and treating critically ill foals, gives me great job satisfaction.’
‘Sometimes I find it a real challenge to try to balance the three main roles in my life: mum, vet and military wife, but I am so grateful for an opportunity to be involved with the Ride to Freedom team. It is a real privilege to be inspired by these amazing women who are all part of the Forces Wives Community. I see my role as being an extra support to ensure that these amazing ladies rise to the challenge and find their freedom across the Pyrenees.’
Ginnie
“FWC is a thriving community because of the many people that work hard behind the scenes. Being part of the Ride to Freedom team enables me the privilege of picking up the reins again myself whilst supporting unsung heroines and fellow adventurers in achieving their dreams.”
