Injured Veterans Prepare For A Tough Cycling Challenge

Severely injured veterans preparing to cycle 1,500 miles across New Zealand later this year are marking the anniversary of a WW2 mission that played a critical part in the Normandy Landings.

On Thursday, former service personnel were preparing to ride 76 miles to the Pegasus bridge in France.

It’s part of their training for an even tougher challenge later in the year.

Operation Ride is made up of three international teams and will take place this winter.

Matt Hellyer, Veteran and Pilgrim Charity event organiser, said the challenge was no easy task.

“For guys that have lost their limbs, their daily routine is hard anyway – now we’re going to be living outside, spending nearly three weeks under canvas.”      

Martin Compton, is a veteran who is taking part in the cycle, he suffered 85% burns when his armoured vehicle was blown up in Afghanistan.

He said: “I’m definitely looking forward to it, it’s definitely one of those things were it pushes your boundaries, which is what the charity is all about – and it’s great to be involved.”  

Also taking part is former paratrooper Ben Parkinson, who suffered over 40 injuries in a landmine blast in Afghanistan during 2006.

He is now a patron for the charity and has a positive outlook on life.

“I got told that I will never walk or talk again – so I was in a real bad place.

“Now I can do all this stuff – so why not?

“If we can do it, do it!”

This was one of many training events the team will embark on as they grow closer to the huge challenge in New Zealand.