Help for Heroes launches Hero Ride 2014

Help for Heroes launched Hero Ride 2014 yesterday (January 27th), which it hopes will be embraced by people from all four corners of the UK.

The charity's patrons Ross Kemp and Lorraine Kelly were on hand to unveil the new fundraising ride and encourage Britons to take part in what will be the biggest cycling event the nation has ever seen.

A number of routes have been put together, starting from Brussels, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Tedworth House in Tidworth. These will converge on June 8th with around 2,000 riders from Blackheath, before all the competitors ride into Horse Guards Parade in London for the grand finale.

Help for Heroes explained the aim of the event is to raise £1.5 million, which it would put towards offering care and support to injured and wounded servicemen and women.

Bryn Parry, co-founder of the charity, said: "Our ambition is for Hero Ride 2014 to be bigger and better than ever before and I would like to see the British public continue with their generosity for our heroes. Cycle with us, donate to our good cause and show your support with pride."

Some 10,535 British military personnel have been injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and Combat Stress believes around 40,000 will suffer from a psychological injury over the next few years, so it is vital that funds are raised for Help for Heroes to use to continue its support.

In 2014, the good cause has two major projects in its sights – the creation of the Hidden Wounds Psychological Wellbeing programme and the expansion of its Heroes Recovery Centre in Catterick – both of which could be boosted by a hugely successful Hero Ride.

Kemp suggested that while the ride is sure to be "one hell of a challenge", it is nothing in comparison to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women so people should rally behind it, whether they wish to create their own bike ride or follow one of the organised routes.