The ride, which will also support the armed forces community of today, will see a group of cyclists from Abingdon ride to Dunkirk and back, raising funds and awareness for SSAFA Oxfordshire, the Armed Forces charity.

The Abingdon Extreme Fundraisers will set off from Blenheim Palace and will travel through Kent to Dover before crossing into France and visiting key Second World War sites such as Dunkirk, Dieppe, and Pegasus Bridge.

The team will return to Abingdon in Oxfordshire on June 7.

Ian Talbot, chair of SSAFA Oxfordshire Branch, said: “The team have been amazing with their commitment, ideas, objectives, and support for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

“Whilst their aim is to remember those who fought in the World Wars, it is vital to remember all serving personnel, veterans, and their families—who continue to live with problems caused by their service or misfortune.

“SSAFA is established to support when needed and is delighted to be the riders’ chosen charity.”

One member of the fundraising team has a personal connection to military loss.

Fusilier Peter Angus, who was killed during the Korean War, was born in Middlesbrough on July 25, 1928, and enlisted with the Green Howards in 1946 before later serving with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.

In January 1951, he deployed to Korea with the 1st Battalion as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade.

He was killed in action on April 25 during the Battle of the Imjin River, one of the most intense engagements in British military history.

His sister Patricia Nolan and her family were awarded the Elizabeth Cross in July 2010 in recognition of his sacrifice.

Paul Blair, from Abingdon Extreme Fundraisers, said: “We’re proud to support SSAFA and the vital work they do.

“This ride is about honouring the past while making a difference to those who serve today and their families.”

To further their support for veterans, the team has announced a new community project: free boxing sessions for veterans every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, starting on June 30.

The sessions are designed to offer a safe space for veterans to improve their fitness, share experiences, and connect with others in a supportive setting.

The fundraiser has received strong backing from the community and businesses, including sponsors Carma UK, SBC Oxford Ltd, Blenheim Palace Natural Mineral Water, and Kogels of Abingdon Ltd.

Local gyms are also hosting static cycling events to promote the challenge and encourage broader involvement.

Through their efforts, the Abingdon Extreme Fundraisers continue to raise awareness for remembrance, mental health, and support for the armed forces community.

An Oxford optician is raising awareness during Myopia Awareness Week, running from May 18 to 24, about the rising rates of the condition in children and the long-term risks it poses.

Myopia, or short-sightedness, has doubled among UK children since the 1960s and increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, which can lead to blindness later in life.

Neil Datta, a director of David Spicer Optometrists in Elms Parade, Botley, said: “It is important to understand the environmental factors that can influence myopia development and progression because the action families take can have a real impact.

“Encouraging your child to spend more time outside can make a vital difference in protecting their sight, now and in the longer term.”

Mr Datta recommends children spend an extra two hours outdoors each day to help delay the onset of myopia, as this allows them to use their full range of vision.

He said: “With the school holidays approaching and evenings getting lighter, now is the perfect time to get into good habits and swap phones for playgrounds and online games for real ones outside.

“The message is simple – be more outdoors.”

He also advises children to take regular breaks during periods of close-up focus, following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (or six metres) away for 20 seconds.

Early diagnosis and regular eye examinations are key to managing myopia.

Macroflora was the latest weekly theme – plants and flowers large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

As a result, snappers posted a varied selection of colourful flowers on the club’s Facebook page.

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There were quite a few eye-catching images of dandelion heads but it was the close-up shots of flowers in bloom that really caught the eye.

There were lots of excellent pictures of bees collecting pollen but in the end we have selected Julia Johnson-Fry’s image of a pink peony as our photo of the week.

Ms Johnson-Fry believes her peony is 80 years old, adding: “We thought we had lost it many times, but it keeps coming up!”

Each week, camera club members are given a theme and then post their photos on the club’s Facebook page. A selection of images are featured in the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times.

The next theme is local markets.