WOUNDED service personnel and veterans are taking part in a week of commemorative bike rides, calling at cenotaphs and memorials along the way in recognition of those who died during WWI.

The cycling challenges will also play a role in their recovery, as part of a programme at the Help for Heroes centre Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison.

Today, (Tuesday, Nov 4) the cycling challenge started from the Durham Light Infantry Museum, where serving personnel and more recent veterans met members of the Durham Light Infantry for a short memorial service for setting off to Catterick.

Phoenix House is supporting 13 centre-users who are taking part in the week of rides ranging in distance from 34 miles to 60 miles, in point to point and circular routes, with wreath-laying ceremonies conducted at memorials on the route.

Veteran Justin Henderson, 39, from York who now lives in Catterick is among those taking part on a recumbent bike.

While part of the Royal Logistic Corps and based in Germany he fell and broke a vertebra in his spine that has now been replaced with a prosthetic.

He said: “I often cycle to work, but that isn’t far. The most I have done before is 10 miles, and this is 34 miles so quite a jump.

“When I look back to getting my injury I never thought I’d be on a bike today”.

To donate and support the riders text RIDE and an amount to 70900. Texts will cost the donation plus normal network rate, and the donation will go to the Northern Echo’s £100,000 centenary appeal for a performing arts centre at Phoenix House.

Alternatively visit bmycharity.com/100kfor100yearsNorthernEchoAppeal; or donate by cheque, accompanied by the form at thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/files/31397, to Phoenix House, Richmond Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3AW.