I've just cycled 350 miles (!) on the Help For Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride, with 300 other riders (including amputees, a blind soldier, an 80-year old World War Two veteran, and a 70 year old lady with her arm in plaster after an operation), from the D-Day beaches to Dunkirk, ending with a ceremony at the Cenotaph. We're raising funds for a new gym and swimming pool for our wounded at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre.

Many thanks to those who've helped me raise over £4000 so far! I have been really touched by the generosity shown by everyone.

The website www.helpforheroes.org.uk  has full details and photos of the "Million Pound Ride": do have a look.

You might also enjoy looking at my web album from the ride, at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/djvassallo

I was inspired to enrol on this ride after meeting Bryn Parry who set up Help For Heroes. Though strenous, it was a very enjoyable way to help our wounded (I'm a surgeon in the Royal Army Medical Corps, so more used to operating than fundraising).

I started fundraising in earnest at the British Field Hospital in Iraq in January, after hearing that on Christmas Eve a young soldier (same age as my daughter) lost both legs and an arm in a landmine blast in Afghanistan, but he survived thanks to the high quality of medical care he received there. He is now undergoing treatment at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre. He is exactly who Help for Heroes is for.

A patient of mine in Iraq dared me to dress up in fancy dress to start fund-raising and the Army and Navy nurses on my ward joined in with gusto. Just as they had dressed me up (as a nurse), official visitors arrived unannounced, the main one being from the House of Lords! He promptly entered into the spirit of the day by being the first to donate, good for him. That Sunday 140 staff and patients had a good laugh, and generously donated over 1400 dollars (£700) for our wounded (thanks again!).

In my final weekend of fundraising before the ride, I was invited to speak about Help for Heroes at the 3 weekend Masses at the Catholic Parish of Lee & Stubbington. I was overwhelmed by the response and the prayers – and by the parishioners’ extremely generous donations of over £1500.

Please help our wounded by sponsoring me now (it's easier than cycling 350 miles!). Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also very efficient: Help for Heroes will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

My brother Patrick Vassallo and brother-in-law Alan Miller joined me on the Ride, so do consider sponsoring them too via their webpages: www.justgiving.com/patrickvassallo and www.justgiving.com/alanmiller.