AN ARMY veteran will be in a Darlington this weekend to recruit fundraisers to take part in an iconic bike ride.

Justin Henderson and a colleague from Phoenix House, the Help for Heroes recovery centre, in Catterick, will be in the Cornmill Shopping Centre on Saturday (February 28) to fundraise and encourage shoppers to sign up to the annual Hero Ride.

The challenge will see participants, including 20 wounded, injured and sick veterans and military personnel, tackle a gruelling 260 mile journey from Catterick to Windsor to raise money for the charity.

Mr Henderson, who served with the Royal Logistics Corps as a postal courier for more than 16 years before a freak accident in Germany left him with a broken back and limited mobility, is set to participate in the epic charity ride on his handbike.

He said: “We are looking forward to meeting with members of the public in the Cornmill this Saturday and promoting the Hero Ride.

“The Hero Ride can have a life-changing effect – both physically and mentally – on people like myself going through recovery and it is equally exhilarating for members of the public who cycle alongside us.

“I’d like to encourage people to get on their bikes and ride with us or support the charity by sponsoring myself or the other riders through a donation.”

Cyclists wanting to take part in Hero Ride North can start from Phoenix House Recovery Centre, on Wednesday, June 17, or they can complete the full 450 mile ride which begins in Edinburgh on Sunday, June 13.

For more information visit the Help for Heroes stand in the Cornmill Centre, outside Primark, between 9am and 5.30pm on Saturday or visit heroride.org.uk