Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page...

In 2012 I was fortunate to be involved in a very ambitious project that saw 8 wounded, injured and sick ex-military servicemen completed the 3,051 miles of the Race Across America (RAAM) in an impressive 7 d 7hr 38 min. This was an incredible achievement considering between them, these guys only had 7 legs, and four double amputee members of the team completed the RAAM on handbikes. I thought it was a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, but to mark the 10th anniversary of Help for Heroes, and the 5th anniversary on RAAM2012, I'll be involved in another attempt this June: #H4HRAAM2017

These challenges might appear to some as a glorified jolly, but in reality the achievements of the riders and support crew truly inspire others to become active and involved in physical activity. Of the 8 guys completing RAAM2012, some have described their experience as life changing, and we all hope we can inspire others to complete other challenges, to get those who are isolated and have feelings of loneliness to socially reintegrate and, above all, help them to improve their function, independence and overall quality of life.

During the past two years I have completed challenges to raise money for children's cancer charities, something that is very close to home and dear to my heart. However, this year, I have decided to turn my attention to Help for Heroes, in an attempt to raise as much money as possible during this attempt. Since 2012 we have learnt a great deal; some of the 2012 team have continued to train and gone on to compete at a high level, with ex-Marine Joe Townsend competing as a triathlete in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Linked to this, we have some extremely talented members of a strong squad that are currently undergoing training and selection. All members of the support crew are doing this on a voluntary, pro bono basis and I am also offering my time and assistance for free.

If you are able to, please consider donating to this very worthwhile cause. Next year my attention will switch back to the cancer charities, but for now I'm supporting these guys who hope to complete the slightly longer 3,081 miles of RAAM2017 in less than 7 days...

With the 2nd weekend of training now done, we clearly have strength in depth for contenders putting themselves forward for selection. A little twist in today's schedule was that after the final individual finished the first 18.6 mile time trial, all riders were then given 20-min before a further "best effort" of the 2.3 mile Thruxton circuit was completed, followed immediately by a second, 18.6 time trial was completed. In total, riders completed more than 95 miles and in excess of 4,000 ft of ascent, but training is going to plan - bring on the March training weekend...!

#RAAMADAMADINGDONG   #H4HRAAM2017

Thanks a lot,

Paul