EX-ARMY pals Richard Higgins and Matthew McKinley are set for a self-imposed tour of duty.
The pair will attempt to cycle 900 miles from one end of the country to the other in aid of the forces’ charity Help for Heroes.
Richard, from Golcar, and Matthew, of Bradley, spent five years with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment between 2000 and 2005.
Both men knew Lance Cpl Graham Shaw, of Golcar, who died when he was the victim of a roadside bomb in February.
Richard, 29, said after they left the Army he and Matthew felt an obligation to do something to support wounded ex-service personnel.
“When the charity started in 2007 we said to each other that we had to do something for it,” Richard said.
“When Graham died, it brought it closer to home. It showed us it’s not something you just hear on the news any more – it’s real.”
Richard and Matthew, 27, met when they signed up to join the Army in 2000.
They served in Iraq in separate tours, Richard as a driver in 2003 and Matthew as a sniper in 2004.
Richard now works as an engineer for Polyframe Trade in Halifax. Matthew is setting up his own business supplying parts for high-performance cars.
They will attempt to cycle from John o’Groats to Land’s End in 14 days, starting on August 7.
Richard said: “When we started training, neither of us had sat in a saddle for five years. But we’re both quite physically fit and we’re feeling quite confident.”
The pair are aiming to raise £9,000. To sponsor them go to www.ride4helpforheroes.com.
They thanked Halfords, which is supplying a bike for the event, and Polyframe for supporting the ride.
