RIDE FOR HEROES CHARITY

A retired serviceman is riding over 1,000 miles of the hardest cycle routes in the UK over 10 consecutive days to raise money for soldier’s charity, Afghan Heroes.

Peter Buckley will be taking on the treacherous roads of The Scotland Way, The Coast-to-Coast, The Sarn Helen and The Wessex Way for the charity which was launched by a group of mothers who had all lost sons in Afghanistan and who felt that a specialist charity was needed to support families and service personnel.

Peter will begin the journey with The Scotland Way in Skye on 26 August 2010 and ride the first 270 miles through Fort William, Fort Augustus, Aviemore, Tomintoul and finish off at Montrose.

Peter said: “I served as a captain in The Royal Tank Regiment for over 25 years and retired from the army in 2004. Because of this I feel a sense of extreme pride for our troops and wanted to do something to raise as much money as I could for this fantastic charity.

“I was first introduced to the charity Afghan Heroes when I saw them on TV at The Sun’s Millie Awards. I was amazed by the mothers who had lost their sons during the conflict and yet still gave their time to raise money for the troops fighting out in Afghanistan.

“Afghan Heroes deals specifically with members of the British forces and their families that have been affected by the military operations in Afghanistan now and into the future.

“I hope people give generously to me and anyone else raising money for this charity,  if anyone has ridden just one of these cycle routes they’ll know how hard four is going to be!”

Afghan Heroes, which was set up last year by a group of mothers who lost sons in Afghanistan, supports those on the front line, the families of those who have fallen and returning soldiers who have witnessed the losses of fellow comrades.

For further information or to donate to the charity please visit www.afghanheroes.org.uk

ENDS                                                                                                 

Issued on behalf of Afghan Heroes by Empica. For further information contact Clare Fowler or Laurence Phillips (01275) 394400.