A ROYAL Navy veteran will take part in a memorial bike ride after being given a generous donation from a bicycle workshop charity.

Pat Barraclough, from Sunderland, will take part in the Ride of Remembrance – a 320-mile bike ride to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Cyclists will travel across France to Paris, passing through some of the historical towns and landmarks made famous during the war.

Mr Barraclough entered the ride to say thank you to the veteran charity Forward Assist, which helped him re-adjust to civilian life after his time in the navy.

His specially-made bike was donated by local social enterprise Recyke Y’Bike, where volunteers refurbish old bikes brought in by members of the public and sell them on to raise funds for charity.

Mr Barraclough, who works as an inspirational speaker, said: “I am so grateful for all of the support I have received to help me undertake this massive challenge. The Ride of Remembrance has become integral to my recovery and without the backing from Forward Assist it would not have been possible.”

He is due to join dozens of other veterans and fundraisers in Brussels on Tuesday (June 30), where he will begin his arduous journey through Huy, La Roche en Ardenne, Durbuy, Sedan, Novion-Porcien and Soissons – all notable war towns – before ending under the Eiffel Tower in Paris on July 5.