GRENOFEN resident Lottie Fulton is facing a marathon cycling challenge this coming week, cycling 350 miles through Europe for Help for Heroes. The 23-year-old physiotherapist will be cycling from Brussels to Paris and on to London with a large team of injured service men and women. The trip will take place over five days, leaving on June 1, under the name The Big Battlefield Bike Ride. In 2013 Lottie completed a student placement at Headley Court, the rehabilitation centre for injured members of the British Armed Forces, in Surrey. It was during her time at the centre's complex trauma and amputee unit that she realised she wanted to do something for the charity Help for Heroes. 'They are all so positive even after they have had limbs blown off,' said Lottie. 'It makes you realise that we don't really have anything wrong with us. When I would have a flare up of my rheumatoid arthritis, and I would get upset, I would have to remind myself that these people are so positive and have a lot more to deal with than me, and it would remind me that I have nothing wrong with me in comparison. 'It helped kick-start my life again with their positive attitude — they really do inspire me to do it.' Whilst at Headley Court the service men and women were discussing the bike ride and said Lottie should take part. She applied, thinking she wouldn't get approved, but was accepted. Lottie, a good off-road cyclist, admits she was a complete novice when it came to road cycling. Lottie, whose dream job is to work at Headley Court when she has gained more experience, said: 'I literally had to learn from the beginning — I fell off the bike so many times. 'I trained with the Tavistock Wheelers on a mountain bike and they would have to wait ages for me as I was so slow, but now I have a proper road cycle ordered from Help for Heroes. 'I was so nervous about the bike ride at first but now I am really excited.' Jock Easton, general manager Help for Heroes at the Naval Service Recovery Centre in Plymouth, said: 'The Hero Ride 2014 is our biggest demonstration of support for our wounded and a massive charity fundraising challenge. 'Through Hero Ride 2014, our aim is to raise £1.5-million to support our wounded for life. 'There are a great number of wounded, injured or sick veterans from across the South West who face many challenges on their way to recovery and requiring lifelong support — participating in challenging sponsored events such as this one, ensure that real support is given to all our men and women. 'The physical effort made by Lottie is greatly appreciated by all of those looking to Help for Heroes. 'Help for Heroes is now firmly established in the South West and all contributions will go directly to those wounded, injured or sick.'