SOLDIERS will today embark on a cycling trip to raise cash for an African assignment.
The soldiers, who are all in the 101 regiment Royal Artillery, in Gateshead, will cycle the 139 miles coast-to-coast (C2C) from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in a final bid to raise £20,000 to travel to Zambia.
As part of Exercise Helping Hand, they plan to visit the African country to help repair vehicles desperately needed by anti-poaching patrols.
Team leader Captain Stu Olden, 34, is returning to continue the work of a similar trip two years ago, at the specific request of wildlife artist David Shepherd.
The team has raised £18,500 and hopes to generate more from the C2C ride en route.
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