A team of Afghanistan veterans – most of whom were injured in a bomb explosion last summer – are to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise cash for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen Association (BLESMA)
Captain Wayne Owers, a bomb disposal expert, worked in Helmand last summer clearing IEDS. But forensic evidence manager Cpl Jonny Wallace stood on a bomb which ripped his leg open from ankle to hip.
LCpl Davie Timmins, his bodyguard, lost his right eye and hearing in his right ear along with other serious lacerations over his body.
Electronics experts LCpl James Marsh, and equipment maintenance man Cpl Richard McKinnon, also suffered minor injuries in the blast.
All four received treatment at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and are still having follow-up treatment nine months on.
Despite their injuries the team, plus Casualty Visiting Officer Capt Pete Graham, are reuniting in June for the LEJOG ride with the aim of raising £10,000.
Capt Owers told the Leamington Observer:: “In order that we can focus the minds of my team while they undergo various operations and bouts of rehabilitation, we have decided to do a charity cycle ride.
“The challenge is clearly made all the more difficult for some of these lads who have fairly restrictive injuries.”
Lcpl Timmins said: “Our daily routine of being tasked to dispose of these deadly devices carried a great risk of losing limbs or life. The experiences we have been through together would sound far fetched or be dismissed as, elaborations by most people. It is sharing those experiences that have brought us so close... Mates for life!
“Knowing our team would be together for "one last task" (cycling from Lands End to John O Groats), would be brilliant for all of us. Even more so, knowing that any money raised would help other injured soldiers would be outstanding.”
So far, the team has raised around £3,500. To find out more about them and to donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Felix-End2End
Having participated in workshops with kids at risk of joining gangs etc and ex-offenders, I can tell you for sure that nobody has more credibility...
Seems like a case for additional safety measures e.g. at least some feedback if you try to cross into a lane with oncoming vehicles. Although...
One way to find out is to put a member of the driver's family on the bike and ask them to repeat the manoeuvre.
I wasnt sure if the picture of the of the tunnel was a picture of a local canal somewhere or not......
The legal position has been pretty much settled since DDA in 1995 - reasonable adjustments. Though LTN 1/20 and Inclusive Mobility helpd determine...
This was in my local park and dogs are allowed off-lead. Cyclists are required to ride slowly and give due care and attention as it happens.
Something worth pointing out that's not mentioned in the article is with the Di2 buttons - the functions are not restricted to single presses, each...
My Cyclic Fly6 3 Gen is now 2 years old and the battery has continued its decline, it lasts just over 1 and a half hours, no light, no audio etc.,...
I've since learned that universal, inflatable roof racks are a thing and apparently work well. Going to try that next time, just getting a standard...
I thought it was everyone else that are the snowflakes, they certainly don't waste any time in being offended by everything and anything then wang...