A VETERAN who completed a gruelling challenge to cycle 350 miles between two French battlefields in September has completed the distance again on a static bike to raise cash for Help for Heroes.

Justin Henderson, 41, from York, uses Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison, took part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride, from Verdun to Ypres over five days, and intends to do it again in 2017.

And to raise some extra cash over the festive period, Mr Henderson took to his recumbent bike in Tesco Catterick Garrison on Friday, with the aim of cycling the 350 miles from 6am until midnight.

Mr Henderson, who was a postal courier in the Royal Logistics Corps until an accident caused a spinal injury that ended his career, said he is committed to giving back to the charity which has helped him get his life back.

He said: “This is just a challenge that I made up, I wanted to do something because it’s Christmas and a time for giving.

“I did the Big Battlefield Bike Ride and I’m going to do it next year, but this challenge was to do the entire 350 in just one day.

“I’m also holding a raffle to raise a bit more cash – the public have been fantastic though, as have Tesco – I’ve had loads of donations and people coming over to chat.”

Mr Henderson shattered his spine in 2012 while serving in Germany, and initial surgery to fix the vertebrae was unsuccessful, meaning he was confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk more than a couple of paces.

But then surgeons attempted to remove two vertebrae and replace with prosthetics – and the successful surgery gave Mr Henderson a new lease of life.

He said: “I’ve never been in a wheelchair since, although I have to use a sitting down, recumbent bike.

“Phoenix House has been amazing – without them I wouldn’t be here because they gave me the confidence to take part in challenges such as the Big Battlefield Bike Ride.”

He was joined on his Christmas cycle challenge by friend Nathan Stephens, who wanted to support Mr Henderson and Help for Heroes.

He said: “This is the first time I’ve attempted a challenge like this – it is seriously tough on the legs but we are determined to keep going and raise as much cash as possible for such an amazing charity which helps veterans and serving personnel when they are broken.”

To donate to Mr Henderson visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Justin-Hendersonbbbr17.