Remember kids... always wear a helmet. (The almighty bikeradar helmet thread)

Macmillan cancer charity run fund raising cycling events
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Cyclingevents/Cyclingevents.aspx
I hoped to do a ride in Poland with them a few years ago and I offered to run training sessions before the ride and mechanic services on the ride. (Since they helped my mum before she died). Had to pull out because of their helmet compulsion despite a protracted discussion about this. It was such a shame.

I'm doing the Dorset bike ride on the 1st July and they say that helmets are recommended but not mandatory. Is it just because you were going to be some sort of official rider with them?

They also say "Cyclists must follow the Highway Code at all times, and in particular, they should ride in single file"... which is a bit confusing because the highway code says cycling two-abreast is fine.