AN Armed Forces veteran, seriously injured in a cycling accident, is organising his second fundraising bike ride for services charities.

Craig Owens, 50, sustained two badly damaged legs and a broken arm as well as extensive cuts and bruises when he was knocked off his bike by a car on Middlesbrough’s Cargo Fleet Lane in November 2013.

The father-of-two's rehabilitation included two operations, but he was determined to keep a promise to take part in the Royal British Legion’s Pedal to Paris just ten months later.

“I was determined to get back on my bike and although it was painful, by hook or by crook I managed to do it,” said Craig, who is from Middlesbrough and spent 23 years in the Royal Navy.

“Eight weeks after surgery on one of my knees and I did my first charity ride since the accident, riding from Sandhurst to Pompey Dockyard for the Royal British Legion. A few times I had to be helped by friends who I cycle with but I completed it.”

Craig’s expensive carbon framed bike was written off in the accident, but with the help of Rebecca Montague, of Macks Solicitors, he won a payout for a replacement as well as recovering compensation for his injuries.

“Rebecca was spot on,” said Craig. “She was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout and even she was amazed at how determined I was to start riding again. Now I’m fully fit I’m back to my normal self and doing a stupid amount of miles – I covered 6,500 last year alone.”

Craig has had first-hand experience of the work the Royal British Legion do.

“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart and those of the people I cycle with. When I needed some advice I was able to approach them and I have friends who’ve done the same. They don’t turn anyone away,” he said.

He has now completed the Pedal to Paris ten times and says it’s always an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

“The ride isn’t competitive, it’s very friendly and also very emotional. They take in battle sites and memorials along the way. Next year they’re also staging an additional ride to Ypres through the Somme, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele,” he said.

Last summer, he decided to bring some of the magic of the event home with him by organising the first ever Royal British Legion Northern Ride with help from some close friends. Two routes were created, one 70 miles and the other 100 miles, which would appeal to a wide range of abilities.

Around 75 riders took part in the event, which started in Middlesbrough and included a stop off for lunch at Help for Heroes’ Phoenix House facility in Catterick, which the RBL contributes towards the running costs of.

Craig is hoping the second Royal British Legion Northern Ride will be even bigger and better, hopefully attracting 100-plus riders. Up to now 43 riders have registered, including one rider coming from France.

“With the money raised last year we managed to buy two solid oak benches for Phoenix House as well as giving cheques to Help the Heroes and the Royal British Legion,” he said. “Our emphasis is mainly to raise awareness of the work done by services charities and if we manage to raise sponsorship it’s a bonus.

“We want people to come along and enjoy the day, take in the atmosphere and talk to each other. It’s not just for veterans, it’s for anyone who wants to know what these charities are all about.”

The second Royal British Legion Northern Ride takes place on Saturday June 17. It will begin at the Sporting Lodge hotel, take in a lunch stop at Phoenix House in Catterick and end with refreshments served at the TA Centre in Coulby Newham. Medals will be presented there by veterans from the Royal British Legion’s Billingham branch.

As well as inviting people to take part, Craig is also hoping local business will step forward with sponsorship. If you would like to help, he can be contacted on 07825 420217 or 07951 905960.