On Sunday 21st September, West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA) held their annual Symonds Yat Challenge, an ambitious fundraising event to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The original plan was for the team of supporters, staff, and trustees to canoe eight miles down the River Wye before tackling a three-hour hike to King Arthur’s Cave and Symonds Yat Rock.
However, due to high river levels, the canoeing section was cancelled. Undeterred, the team doubled the walk, pushing themselves even further to raise vital funds for this life-saving charity.
This year, the Widows Sons MBA Taurus Chapter were honoured to be invited to take part in a unique way. We were asked to support the finale of the challenge by riding into the finish line with the fundraisers — some even taking to the pillion seats of our bikes for the last memorable stretch.
The day began at HR4K in Hereford, where Taurus members gathered for coffee and a briefing from our Charity Steward, ‘Craiger’. From there, the group rode in formation to Symonds Yat, where they met up with the WMWA team. The atmosphere was electric as the bikes roared into view, bringing smiles and cheers from the crowd.
Five of our riders took fundraisers on the back of their bikes for the ride to the finish line, creating a spectacle that perfectly captured the spirit of solidarity and support. At the finish, our President ‘Chippy’ gave a heartfelt speech and proudly presented WMWA with a cheque for £600 on behalf of Taurus Chapter. The feedback was overwhelming — the fundraisers described the bikes as the perfect ending to their challenge.
The weather could not have been better, and the event was a resounding success. For Taurus, it was more than just a ride; it was about standing shoulder to shoulder with an organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.
Events like these highlight the values at the heart of Freemasonry and the Widows Sons alike: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. For Taurus Chapter, it was an absolute privilege to be part of the challenge, and we look forward to collaborating with West Mercia Women’s Aid on future projects.
