A GROUP of 30 injured veterans from the UK and the US are taking on a 120-mile cycling challenge, SR UK, through the Wiltshire and Somerset countryside to aid their rehabilitation after injury starting on Sunday in Swindon.
Members of Blesma, the charity for limbless veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project will cycle on average 30 miles per day during five days, starting and ending in a different place each day.
When in Wiltshire the riders will be passing through Marlborough, Malmesbury, Bradford on Avon, Longleat Estate and Salisbury.
The activity is a chance for them to regain confidence in their abilities, improve their fitness and recapture a sense of camaraderie they may feel they have lost since leaving the military.
On the final day the riders will set out from Bushey Park in London and finish the week at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, where they will be greeted by Chelsea Pensioners.
Jonathan Bell, who was paralysed from the chest down in a military training accident while serving with The Green Howards, is one of four riders who will be completing the week's routes on a hand-bike.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to SR UK next week. I’m expecting the cycling to be challenging, but that’s part of the fun! I'm also keen to catch up with other Blesma members and make some new American friends.”
Barry Le Grys MBE, chief executive of Blesma, says: “SR UK is a highlight in the Blesma activities programme.
"It is a tough cycle over five days, through two counties and London, to end at The Royal Hospital Chelsea. We really enjoy hosting the injured veterans from the US. A unique fellowship is built.
"The ride is aimed at promoting the subjective, psychological and social well-being of the injured. For the participants it is a moving experience, even life changing.
"It is a memorable journey for families and volunteers too and we appreciate their support greatly.”
Blesma is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
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