INSPIRED Prince’s Trust students have been breaking into a sweat to help raise funds for injured military veterans.

Young unemployed people were joined by former soldiers in a 172-mile static bike ride, pedalling side-by-side at Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick.

The Team programme is a 12-week personal development course delivered in partnership with Stockton Riverside College, offering young unemployed people the chance to develop their skills and confidence and ultimately boost their employment chances.

Team leader Seveci Navelinikoro said: “The aim was to not only raise money but also raise awareness of the physical and mental benefits of exercise.”

A former soldier injured in service himself, he rediscovered a love of sport at Phoenix House, as did assistant team leader Mark Tonner. Both men were left with life changing injuries in Afghanistan.

Now they are among a number of former soldiers working with the college’s Prince’s Trust department in partnership with Help for Heroes.

“I lost the use of my right arm as well as suffering mental trauma,” said dad-of-four Mark. “I struggled quite a lot but then I found Phoenix House and they kicked me in to shape.”

He has gone on to compete in triathlon and iron man contests and this year plans to set a new world record in power lifting.

Her added: “When it comes to working with the young people I know if I can do it then they can too. They haven’t even started their lives yet.”

Team leader Seveci suffered extensive nerve damage to his lower back, hip knee and ankle as well as a brain trauma and loss of hearing in one ear.

But he too found renewed direction at Phoenix House and has gone on to become a multi-medallist at the Invictus Games.

“Many veterans, for a variety of different reasons, have been through rough times,” he said.

“This is about showing that physical activity can boost your life, even in confined spaces.”

Challenged to support others, it was the students that came up with the idea of the static bike ride, choosing to support Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.