A CYCLIST from Sampford Courtney will be Pedalling across Europe to raise funds for the Armed Forces Charity SSAFA.

Andy Wilson, 63, will taking part in the Ride to the Somme — a 250-mile charity cycle that commemorates the Cycling Battalions of World War One.

This year the ride also marks the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.

On August 29, ex-army commando Andy will meet with 150 other cyclists at the Imperial War Museum in London before travelling to Arras, France.

‘We will cycle 250-miles in three days’, said Andy.

‘Our challenge starts with a two-day cycle around Arras.’

His cycle challenge will end in Belgium at Tyne Cot and the Menin gate memorials.

‘We will cycle 250-miles in three days’, said Andy.

‘Our challenge starts with a two-day cycle where we will visit First World War cemeteries and memorial sites.

‘On the third day we will head north west into Belgium and will stop at Aubers Ridge to lay a wreath in memory of Private Evans, the first member of the Army Cyclist Corps killed on the Western Front. We will continue and pay our respects at the Menin Gate before finishing our ride at Tyne Cot.’

Tyne Cot is the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in the world for any war.

Andy said he was excited for the cycling challenge and hoped to raise as much money as possible for fellow service men and women and veterans.

All of the money he raises from his cycle will be donated to to the Armed Forces SSAFA — a charity that exists to relieve suffering and distress amongst service men and women, veterans and their families.

Andy, along with his wife Michele and fellow riders at the Okehampton Cycle Club, recently raised £407 for the charity by selling refreshments at their pop-up coffee and cake stop. (See picture above)

Andy, on behalf of the cycle club, wished to thank everyone for their support: ‘We want to thank everyone who came along and we also want to thank all the local businesses who supported the event by donating ingredients.

‘We are very grateful for the support and were pleased to have raised £407 for a good cause.’

To sponsor Andy’s cycle ride, visit http://uk.virginmoney giving.com/AndyWilsonx59