Former solider takes on bike challenge to support armed forces

A former soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan has helped raise money that will be used to support armed forces by taking part in a sponsored bicycle ride.

Mitchell Proffitt was one of 15 people who recently travelled 46 miles on two wheels to raise cash for Help for Heroes, the Swindon Advertiser reports.

The group completed a round trip from Swindon that took in Wootton Bassett, Calne, Devizes and Avebury and Mr Proffitt said he is hoping to raise over £5,000 for good cause.

"Friends of mine have been injured and Help for Heroes has helped them – this is my way of thanking the charity," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying, adding the event took three months to organise.

Members of the Red Arrows Aerobics team have also been using two-wheeled transport to generate cash for various charities, opting for Vespa scooters to travel from Lands End to John O'Groats, the BBC reports.

Posted by Mark Wilkins