A BARNOLDSWICK man was one of five injured veterans to complete a gruelling 140-mile cycle ride from the west coast of England to the east coast in three days.

Mark Brown, 52, who lost his arm in a motorbike accident while serving with 1st Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, helped raise almost £7,000 for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity, during last week's Coast2Coast cycle fundraiser.

The team started the challenge on Bank Holiday Monday from the Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe Bay, with Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Susie Charles, seeing them off.

She said: “It’s absolutely inspiring what the team are doing – I couldn’t imagine myself taking on this kind of challenge! I encourage people to dig deep and support Blesma and those who have made such sacrifices in the name of serving their country.”

The route saw the riders pass through Ingleton, Hawes, Redmire, Leyburn, Thirsk and Malton before finishing at Filey seafront last Wednesday afternoon, where they were met by representatives of the local Royal Marines Association.

Ride co-ordinator and Blesma member Jonathan Bell said: “We set out to achieve two goals: to raise money and awareness for Blesma – we have achieved those goals. What was so special about the ride itself was that everyone from family members, support staff, riders and mechanics all pulled together in what was a fantastic team effort.”

So far, the team have collectively raised nearly £7,000. Donations are still being accepted at justgiving.com/C2CFORBLESMA/