TRIO of ex-servicemen in 1,400mile bike ride to raise money for wounded comrades

23 Apr TRIO of ex-servicemen in 1,400mile bike ride to raise money for wounded comrades

A TRIO of ex-servicemen from Essex are in training for an epic 1,400mile bike ride through Britain to raise thousands of pounds for their wounded comrades.

Former Royal Engineer Steve Craddock, Naval veteran Lee Patmore, and retired Royal Marine Brian Kilgannon will cycle from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall in a bid to raise cash for Help for Heroes.

The core of their track will include John O’Groats to Land’s End via Colchester – Brentwood – Tilbury

Instead of taking the usual 960-mile route through the western spine of Great Britain, Steve, Brian and Lee have set themselves the added challenge of visiting SEVEN military bases along the way.

These diversions will add almost 500 miles to the route and will mean cycling up hills, totalling a whopping 63,000ft – the equivalent of more than twice the height of Mount Everest.

Lee, from Essex, a former Able Seaman, now mainly confined to a wheelchair, will take on this mammoth journey on a custom-made cycle he will power by his arms.
He works as a disability fitness instructor at Brentwood Leisure Centre. He qualified after completing several courses with Help For Heroes.

Lee said: “Steve will say that this ride is about me and my determination to complete it, but I feel that the ride is about team work. Steve is a good friend and a fellow veteran. We both have our illnesses adding barriers to life, but for me, as a team we can complete some amazing journeys and challenges.

Lee added“Brentwood Centre were the first to offer their support at the very start of the planning stage. It’s an amazing feeling to have my employer backing us in such a big way.”

The Band of Brothers are hoping to complete the challenge within 30 days and are aiming to cover between 60 or 70 miles per day, with three rest days if required.

The trio are still in need of support with fuel for vehicles and food.

If you can be of assistance please contact:
Steve Craddock on Mobile 07585703995 or by email [email protected].