A group of cyclists are to embark on a seven-day charity ride with a poignant twist.

Most of the 22 riders are veterans of Huddersfield Town’s annual Pedal for Pounds fundraiser but this year they are taking on an extra challenge.

Not content with the club’s Tower to Tower – Castle Hill to Blackpool – run, the intrepid riders have added a third landmark, the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

And on the way through France and Belgium the group will stop off at the First World War graves of some of their own relatives and those of Town players who made the ultimate sacrifice.

One of the Three Towers group, Stephen King, chairman of Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association, expects an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

His great uncle Thomas Brown, a miner from County Durham, was killed in action just three days after being awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

Tragically, Thomas, who died on November 13 1916 aged 26, never got to receive his medal.

Dad-of-two Stephen, 41, will visit Ancre British Cemetery near Beaumont-Hamel on day three of the ride to see where his great uncle is buried.

“Obviously I never knew him but you don’t know how the emotion of it all will affect you,” he said.

“Just seeing the enormity of it all and the sheer scale of how many people died might have an effect on me. It may just sink in exactly what they went through.”

Stephen’s father David uncovered the story of Thomas when he researched the family tree. The family have found a copy of the medal notification published in the London Gazette but haven’t been able to find out the details of why he was honoured.

They don’t have a photograph of him but know from records that he had black hair and a “ruddy” complexion – and couldn’t swim.

“It’s quite a sad story,” said Stephen. “He was decorated for his bravery but then died three days later. I suppose that wasn’t unusual.”

The group leave for London after Saturday’s game against Blackburn and will catch the Eurostar to Paris. They then cycle through France to Belgium where they catch the ferry to Hull from Zeebrugge.

They will then join up with the Pedal for Pounds riders who leave Castle Hill on Friday May 1 heading for Town’s final game of the season at Blackpool the following day. They will return on the Sunday to complete a ride of 465 miles with a combined climb of some 15,000ft.

The riders hope to raise £10,000 for three charities, Town’s Keep It Up campaign, Help for Heroes and the Town Foundation.

The riders will pay their respects to the five Town players killed during World War One by laying poppy wreaths. The players were: Larrett Roebuck, Sidney James, Charles Randall, Leigh Roose and Jack Cameron.

Left-back Larrett was the first footballer killed in action. His body has never been found but he is remembered at Ploegsteert Memorial near Ypres in Belgium.

Former Huddersfield Town footballer and war hero Larrett Roebuck

The riders taking part are: Peter Swallow, Alan Waring, Kevin Small, Jon Shaw, Steve Foxley, Andy Lindsay, Al Shooter, Steve Martin, Alan Foxley, Daron Hamilton, Andy Bednarek, Derek Highe, Kevin Whiteley, Gary Charlesworth, Richard Chambers, Danny Fowler, Ollie Knockton, Mick Greig, Andrew Austin Scott, Claire Leader, Hayley Markham and Karen Brooke.

The support team are: Danny Payne, Lynda Merryweather, Lee Marsden and Jean Bednarek.

Specially-designed cycling shirts were provided by sponsor Steve Cooper from Outlane high-vis clothing firm Zhoodz.

To donate to any of the three causes go to the following: www.justgiving.com/H4H-3-TOWERS ; www.justgiving.com/3-Towers/ or www.justgiving.com/TEAM-3-TOWERS/

Larrett Roebuck

Talented left back, first footballer to lose his life in active service in World War 1;

Died 18th October 1914, aged 25;

Served with the York and Lancaster Regiment’s 2nd Battalion (Lance Corporal);

Body never found – commemorated at Ploegsteert Memorial near Ypres in Belgium.

Sidney James

Striker, scoring 2 goals in 12 appearances

Died 9th April 1917, aged 25;

Served in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (Lance Corporal);

Buried in the Cojeul British Cemetery, St Martin Sur-Cojeul.

Charles Randall

Former Town player – played 16 times, in both defence and attack;

Died 27th September 1916, aged 34;

Served in the Coldstream Guards;

Buried in the Dantzig Alley British Cemetery at Mametz.

Leigh Roose

Former Town player – goalkeeper, played 5 times, Welsh international;

Died 7th October 1916, aged 38;

Lance Corporal in the Royal Fusiliers;

His body was not recovered - commemorated at Thiepval Memorial.

Jack Cameron

Former Town player – played twice at centre forward, scoring once;

Died early 1916;

Private in the Cameron Highlanders;

Believed to be buried in Glasgow.