Falklands War Veteran To Cycle 150 Miles For Charity

A Falklands War veteran has set off on a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for a charity close to his heart. 

Steve Hammond, 61, was injured during the Falklands War after the sinking of the Sir Galahad which left him with both physical and mental injuries.

"It changed my life a hell of a lot. I couldn't face reality, really. "

The sinking of the Sir Galahad in 1982 killed 56 people. 

On the anniversary of the attack, Mr Hammond has decided to pedal 150-miles to raise money for the Royal British Legion who helped him recover. 

"It changed my life a hell of a lot. I couldn't face reality, really," Mr Hammond said.  

"The charity changed me a lot, got me back on my feet, helped with my housing, gave me a job, got me to see an orthopedic surgeon.

"Now raising money for disabled and the mentally ill, will help somebody else that I've been through, help somebody else through.

"I'm so proud and passionate about what we're doing today and hopefully we can achieve it," he explained.

Joining Mr Hammond on his journey to the Menin Gate in Belgium are other veterans.

Anil Gurung lost his right leg after stepping on an IED twenty days before the end of his tour in Afghanistan. He said:  

"It's important not to forget the veterans and people who have been made to disabled."

A group of 30 cyclists left Aylesford in Kent heading towards the Menin Gate - a war memorial dedicated to more than 54,000 commonwealth soldiers.

6 veterans and current service personnel including Steve are making the journey.