Cotswolds veteran to travel length of UK on electric bike

Tony Jackson, 65, from Pinkneys Green in Berkshire, is riding an electric motorbike from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The challenge, which will begin on May 27,  and he aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.

The 65-year-old spent more than 36 years working as an RAF squadron leader in air traffic control and flight operations.

His brother, Trevor Jackson, from Aston, will be accompanying him on the journey with his electric Farizon van.

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Trevor, a retired RAF Flight Lieutenant said: “Whilst we have both been incredibly fortunate not to need the services of the RAF Benevolent Fund many others do require that support.”

Tony will be riding a Maeving RM1s electric bike, covering approximately 150 miles per day during the seven-day journey.

He said: “I have to rendezvous with him about every 50 miles because the bike’s batteries will only get him about 60 miles tops.

“So, we have identified lots of journey legs where there is somewhere appropriate for us to stop, change batteries and maybe have a coffee break.”

Tony Jackson (left) and Trevor Jackson (right) with his electric Farizon van (Image: Trevor Jackson)

He continued: “In his last tour of duty in the RAF my brother was in command of the largest flight in the RAF with over 100 personnel who were either suffering from injuries received in overseas theatres of war or road traffic collisions, other illnesses and some who were sadly terminally ill.

“His group was regularly in receipt of successful bids for financial support with thousands of pounds granted to personnel from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The brothers will set off from RAF High Wycombe with a media event at the main gate before heading to Cornwall to begin the ride from Land’s End.

Night stops are planned in Taunton, RAF Shawbury, Penrith, Stirling, and Inverness before reaching John O’Groats.

The 65-year-old said: “The van can go just over 200 miles on a single charge.

“My brother is also a qualified drone pilot, and he intends to set up his drone to follow him in scenic locations throughout the journey.”

The brothers hope their journey will demonstrate that long-distance travel is possible using battery-powered vehicles, while also raising awareness of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s vital work.

The charity provides emotional, financial, and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, this is through mental health support, welfare breaks, mental health support and more.

In 2024 the charity reported that they spent £15.1m on welfare delivery for more than 64,00 people including serving personnel, veteran and their families.