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British military officers ride motorcycles for Afghan charity

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Campbell
  • Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan --  Two British military officers are riding motorcycles from Afghanistan to Germany to raise money for a charity benefiting Afghans with birth defects and those injured by landmines. 

British Army Lt. Cols. Felix Gedney and Gary Bateman are riding from Kabul, Afghanistan, to Monchengladbach, Germany, to raise awareness and money for
the Sandy Gall Afghanistan Appeal charity. The organization provides artificial limbs and mobility aids for Afghan patients, primarily landmine victims, according to the agency’s Web site. 

“We had our motorcycles crated and shipped to Kabul on a plane for this event,” Colonel Gedney said . 

Each man is riding a 600cc Yamaha Tenere dirt bike that has British military officers ride motorcycles for Afghan charity been specially equipped and loaded with spare tires, tools and other essential items for the journey across mountains and desert terrain. 

After routes were mapped, motorcycles equipped, passports and visas prepared, the adventurers began the first day of their trek June 30 leaving behind Kabul and well-wishers who turned out to see them off on their 4,300 mile expedition. 

“We expect it to take us five or six weeks to reach our destination,” said Colonel Bateman as the pair and their support crew visited members of the Panjshir Provincial
Reconstruction Team. 

The crew stopped at the PRT’s safe house and communication site for a break as they
made their way up the Hindu Kush passes toward Tajikistan. The support team dropped off well south of the Anjuman Pass on July 1 when they were no longer able to traverse the road, which turns to little more than goat trails. 

Individuals interested in making a donation or tracking the progress of Colonels Gedney and Bateman may do so at: www.longwayhome.org.uk. 

The multi-service Panjshir PRT includes various military specialties from a Navy engineer to Army Civil Affairs Soldiers to Air Force security, services and transportation
specialists. The team’s mission is to help extend the reach of the Afghan government
through regional reconstruction projects, and enhance security and stability through mentoring and outreach programs. 

The organization provides artificial limbs and mobility aids for Afghan patients, primarily
landmine victims. The pair visited the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team June 30 on the first leg of their journey.