Shropshire war hero Ricky in charity bike ride to raise money for veterans' fund
Telford Military Cross hero Ricky Furgusson is joining 100 injured servicemen and women in leading a group of cyclists who are aiming to raise £1 million for Help For Heroes.
Up to 1,500 riders will be taking part in a series of cycling challenges this June as part of Hero Ride 2015.
With distances spanning from 30 miles to 450 miles, the rides will be starting from Help For Heroes recovery centres, as well as further afield from France and Scotland, before reaching a grand finale in Windsor on June 21.
Ricky received the Military Cross after going to the aid of soldiers injured by IEDs before being caught himself in a blast and badly injured in Afghanistan in January 2010.
He lost both legs, an eye and fingers on both hands and was in hospital for five months, but went on to carry the Olympic Torch in Shropshire in the run-up to the London Olympics and also competed for the British Armed Forces team in the 2014 Invictus Games.
The 29-year-old, who is taking part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride from Paris to London, said: "In the past, I was one of those people who looked at someone in a wheelchair or who was disabled and felt sorry for them and thought about all the stuff they couldn't do.
"Well, I am that disabled guy now and I never think about what I can't do. Instead of sitting around moping, we're getting on with life.
"Sport is how we do that.
"Of course there are limits, but we push ourselves as far as we can go."
As well as asking participants to organise DIY routes, Hero Ride 2015 will see organised races from Edinburgh, Catterick and Plymouth.
Members of the public are being encouraged to sign up to participate in one of the rides.
Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help For Heroes, added: "The Hero Ride sees cyclists from all over the country make their way to Windsor, culminating in the biggest national demonstration of support for our wounded heroes.
"By riding alongside servicemen, women and veterans who have suffered life-changing injuries, the British public will see first-hand why support is so needed, so important and must endure.
"Soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives.
"I encourage you to join us by signing up to one of our rides, or backing the 100 by sponsoring them."
For a full list of the rides, or to sign up, go to www.heroride.org.uk or call (01725) 514106.
