A TEIGNMOUTH man is preparing for a 220-mile cycle ride across the battlegrounds of northern France in aid of a charity that helps injured servicemen and their families.
Paul Cowell, 41, of Third Avenue, a former Royal Marine and now a principal officer at Dartmoor prison, has pledged to raise at least £2,000 for the Help for Heroes organisation.
The Band of Brothers' ride, from Portsmouth to Paris on May 25 to 31, is a toughie, and Mr Cowell is training hard.
'Whatever you think of the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, our boys and girls will carry out their tasks without question, and ask nothing of us. I would just like to think that we could do something to help the unlucky ones that get injured, and help ease the pain of adjusting to often life-changing injuries,' he said.
Prison staff have already helped him to already raise about £1,400 through various events.
Tonight he is organising a horserace evening, followed by a charity auction at Newton Abbot Rugby Club, with tickets on sale at the door for £5.
Several other events are also planned, including charity sports, and cycling outside Tesco in Kingsteignton on a rolling road.
Mr Cowell also thanked the local firms and businesses of Teignmouth and Newton Abbot who have donated, even when times are hard.
'The generosity in the middle of the credit crunch has been overwhelming, so thank you all.'