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Veteran Chris Willmott to cycle from Arnhem to Normandy for the Taxi Charity

  • May 1
  • 3 min read

This summer, veteran Chris Willmott, who served with the Parachute Regiment, will embark on an extraordinary 1,524 mile cycling challenge from Arnhem to Normandy to raise vital funds for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.


The ambitious journey will take place over 25 days, with Chris averaging an impressive 61 miles per day. His toughest stretch comes early in the challenge, when he will complete a demanding 97-mile ride on day four, cycling from Hanover to Magdeburg.


As a volunteer ambassador for the Taxi Charity, he regularly supports the charity’s work with veterans across the UK. The charity, which is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers, has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment, and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts and social events across the UK.


The cycle route holds deep historical significance. Chris will complete his journey in Normandy, where he will join the Taxi Charity for the annual D-Day commemorations, honouring those who served and sacrificed during the World War II.


Chris is no stranger to fundraising for the Taxi Charity, having completed huge challenges in 2022 and 2025. Speaking ahead of this challenge, Chris said the ride is both a physical test and a meaningful way to give back to causes close to his heart. Funds raised will directly support veterans through the Taxi Charity.


Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity, said: “Chris Willmott’s dedication and determination are truly inspiring. As a long-standing ambassador and supporter of the Taxi Charity, Chris consistently goes above and beyond to help veterans and their families, and this remarkable 1,524-mile cycle challenge is no exception. Taking on such a demanding journey, rich in military history and ending at the D-Day commemorations in Normandy, perfectly reflects Chris’ deep respect for those who served before him. We are incredibly grateful for his continued commitment to raising vital funds, which will make a real difference to the lives of veterans we support.”

If you wish to support Chris you can donate to the Taxi Charity by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/chris-willmott-to-cycle-from-arnhem-to-normandy-for-taxi-charity



Chris' Route


  • Day 1 – Thursday 7 May - Arnhem, Netherlands (John Frost Bridge) to Münster, Germany – 90 miles

  • Day 2 – Friday 8 May - Münster, Germany to Bielefeld, Germany – 45 miles

  • Day 3 – Saturday 9 May - Bielefeld, Germany to Hannover, Germany – 70 miles

  • Day 4 – Sunday 10 May Hannover, Germany to Magdeburg, Germany – 97 miles

  • Day 5 – Monday 11 May - Magdeburg, Germany to Dessau-Roßlau, Germany – 43 miles

  • Day 6 – Tuesday 12 May- Dessau-Roßlau, Germany to Torgau, Germany – 50 miles

  • Day 7 – Wednesday 13 May - Torgau, Germany to Dresden, Germany – 62 miles

  • Day 8 – Thursday 14 May -Dresden, Germany to Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic – 42 miles

  • Day 9 – Friday 15 May - Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic to Prague, Czech Republic – 56 miles

  • Day 10 – Tuesday 19 May - Prague, Czech Republic to Plzeň, Czech Republic – 70 miles

  • Day 11 – Wednesday 20 May - Plzeň, Czech Republic to Amberg, Germany – 95 miles

  • Day 12 – Thursday 21 May - Amberg, Germany to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany – 86 miles

  • Day 13 – Friday 22 May - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany to Heilbronn, Germany – 69 miles

  • Day 14 – Saturday 23 May - Heilbronn, Germany to Karlsruhe, Germany – 46 miles

  • Day 15 – Sunday 24 May - Karlsruhe, Germany to Strasbourg, France – 52 miles

  • Day 16 – Monday 25 May - Strasbourg, France to Sarrebourg, France – 47 miles

  • Day 17 – Tuesday 26 May - Sarrebourg, France to Toul, France – 74 miles

  • Day 18 – Wednesday 27 May - Toul, France to Saint-Dizier, France – 54 miles

  • Day 19 – Thursday 28 May - Saint-Dizier, France to Épernay, France – 93 miles

  • Day 20 – Friday 29 May - Épernay, France to Meaux, France – 62 miles

  • Day 21 – Saturday 30 May 2026- Meaux, France to Paris, France – 38 miles

  • Day 22 – Sunday 31 May - Paris, France to Vernon, France – 58 miles

  • Day 23 – Monday 1 June -Vernon, France to Rouen, France – 40 miles

  • Day 24 – Tuesday 2 June - Rouen, France to Pont-l’Évêque, France – 55 miles

  • Day 25 – Wednesday 3 June - Pont-l’Évêque, France to Pegasus Bridge, France – 30 miles

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