On Thursday the 13 th October 2011, 20 Cyclists from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who are taking 4 days to ride West to East across the UK in aid of Royal Air Force Association, the Fly2help scheme and the Jon Egging Trust, stopped off at Southam College. Ex 2028 Squadron Cadet, Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who was sadly killed during a Red Arrows display in August, was due to take part in this challenge but his wife Doctor Emma Egging has now taken his place. She was riding with the team in the number 4 position to remember Jon's position as ‘Red 4.'

The Team had been on the road for the previous 2 days and arrived at the College at 0840hours for a stop over and refreshments. The stop over was only a short one but the School had laid on drinks and snacks for the Cyclists and Support Teams. The Team are attempting to cross the UK at its widest point in just 4 days. The route began at St. David's Head in Wales and will finish in Lowestoft , with the team needing to cover approximately 100 miles each day. On arrival they were greeted by 17 Cadets from 2028 Squadron who are also students at the College, formed up on either side of the entrance. The Cadets had been given permission by the Head Teacher, Mr Samra to wear their uniforms for the event. This was the first time the Cadets had had a chance to see Emma Egging and she was clearly delighted to meet them and say thank you for their efforts on behalf of her husband after his tragic death. After their short stop over at the College the cyclists were waved off by the Cadets and other Students from the School on the next leg of their 400 mile journey.

The Red Arrows and BBMF Cyclists circulated around everyone and spent some time chatting with the Cadets and the members of School Staff who had turned out to greet them, together with many members of the Press and TV who had come along to film and interview them. On leaving on the next leg of their journey the Team were cheered off by everyone and given a ‘salute' by the Cadets from 2028 Squadron.

Mrs Dawn Egging, mother of Jon Egging, remarked,” I had the pleasure of meeting the Air Cadets from 2028 Squadron recently and they did themselves proud this morning, they are a fine example of the young people of today and a credit to their Squadron Commander for his leadership and discipline.”

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, Commanding Officer of 2028 Squadron commented, “There is now more than ever, a strong bond between the Red Arrows and 2028 Squadron. We met Jon Egging in July, his Mother a week ago and now his wife Emma. She is a remarkable lady. We wish her and the Team every success in their aim to raise at least £50.000 for these three great causes.”

View more photos of the Red Arrows and BBMF Cycling Team