A FORMER army captain from Cowling has completed a gruelling cycling challenge – labelled the world's toughest.

Rob Cromey-Hawke was part of an eight-strong team of wounded veterans which took part in the ultra-endurance Race Across America, in aid of Help for Heroes.

They covered the 3,081 miles in just over six days and 12 hours.

The route – which began in California and finished in Maryland – took in 12 states and four mountain ranges, climbing 170,000 feet.

Team members rode in relay around the clock – on a combination of hand, recumbent and upright bikes – maintaining minimum speeds of 19mph.

Between them, they raised £100,000.

"It's an amazing experience to have finished and to have been a part of such a fantastic team," said Rob, 33.

"Seeing the support crew from Help for Heroes pull the team together was extraordinary.

"I'm very grateful to have been given that opportunity and to have been supported through the training to make sure I was as best prepared as I could be."

Rob sustained serious brain and spinal injuries during a second tour of Afghanistan in 2012, when the vehicle he was travelling in drove over an Improvised Explosive Device.

The incident left him with memory and concentration difficulties and chronic pain.

All those who took part in the ride for Help for Heroes have suffered psychological and physical wounds and been supported by the charity.

Rob requires help and supervision with everyday activities such as cooking and household chores, relies on the use of technology and alarms to aid memory and is unable to walk or stand for prolonged periods without losing his balance.

His recumbent trike enables him to continue to be active.

"It allows me to regulate my weight which has a huge influence on my mood and psychological wellbeing," said Rob, who has an 18-month-old daughter Pippa and is stepfather to his wife Karen's two teenage sons, Connor and Charlie.

"It also provides me with an 'escape' to clear my head and push myself physically, which is something I used to do pre-injury through running but can no longer.

"The mobility and strength I get from the sport has also been commended by my treating consultants.

"And it has been great socially, allowing me to interact with other wounded veterans and their families so we can share recovery journeys and support each other."

Rob – who is in the process of establishing his own coaching business – has also completed two Ironman races, won a large collection of medals at two Invictus Games and was a member of the first disabled team to complete the Arch to Arc triathlon.