The Heavy Metal Truants have announced that Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson will be joining them on their annual cycling quest to raise funds for disadvantaged children. Yes, you heard that right, renowned metal legend, accomplished fencer and soccer player, as well as a licensed airline pilot, Dickinson is also keen on riding a bicycle for a great cause.
The Heavy Metal Truant’s ninth annual fundraising adventure is called HMT IX: Nice Lives and would normally see cyclists ride 175 miles over two and a half days from London to Donington for arguably the biggest heavy metal festival in the world – Download. But the festival was cancelled again this year (Maiden was set to headline, and now will be in 2022) so Dickinson is joining fans, other bands and members of the music community who will still be riding to raise funds despite the festival’s cancellation.
As a virtual event, riders can set their own goals ranging from 35 miles on foot, all the way up to 1,000 miles by bike, with all options being completed within a 12 day period from May 24 to June 4, which would have been the first day of this year’s Download Festival. The event is open to anyone who wants to sign up and raise funds for Save The Children, Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins and NSPCC/Childline by completing a designated sponsored challenge.
“The cat’s out of the bag — I’m joining the Heavy Metal Truants to help raise money for these heroic children’s charities”, Dickinson said in a press release. “With touring out the window once again, there’s no good reason why I couldn’t sign on at last and no good reason why you can’t either! I’m calling on all fans, bands and people who work behind the scenes to join me on the virtual road to Download. Every single penny counts for these charities who’ve been hit hard by the pandemic, so no matter how much, or how little, you raise, by joining us you will make a difference in a child’s life. Sign up today!”
For complete information and how to sign up, visit heavymetaltruants.
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