A GROUP of Fenland cyclists are taking part in a 500-mile charity ride to help a young amputee war veteran raise money for charity.

Private Matt Woollard, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, lost his right leg in a mine strike in Afghanistan in 2007.

But the determined 22-year-old is now preparing for a six-day ride to raise money for Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Centres (Sandes) - the charity which aided his recovery.

Heath Fletcher, Colour Sergeant Matt Waters, Yat Lee and Richard Powley, all from Chatteris, Don Hyndman, from Cambridge, and Warren Fletcher, from Adlington in Lancashire, are all joining Pte Woollard on the venture which aims to raise �10,000.

Pte Woollard said of the Sandes Centre in Pirbright, Surrey: “They have been a great support to me over the years, especially during my recovery, and this is my way of saying thank you.”

The funds raised by the return journey between the Sandes Centres and Harrogate starting on Sunday (August 7th) will go towards much-needed renovation work at Pirbright.

C/Sgt Waters said: “The ride is our way of showing our appreciation for the hard work the Sandes staff have contributed towards the battalion and the wider Pirbright community.

“It is time to do something for them in return and the money raised will hopefully help modernise and maintain the centre’s facilities.”

• If you would like to sponsor Pte Woollard you can do so at www.bmycharity.com/mattwoollard or learn more about the great work undertaken by Sandes by visiting www.sandes.org.uk