Army bikers in 4,000-mile fundraiser

7:18pm Tuesday 12th February 2008

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THREE soldiers on motorbikes are heading off for a gruelling fundraising tour of eight countries in a bid to help fellow injured servicemen.

The soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment, in York, will be at the forefront of a massive charity push to raise cash by Royal Signals units all over the UK and abroad.

Together they hope to raise £20,000 to be split between the Help For Heroes fund which aims to improve facilities for injured soldiers at the defence medical rehabilitation centre, at Headley Court, in Surrey, and the Army Benevolent Fund which helps soldiers and ex-soldiers and their families in times of need. The idea came from Sergeant Yogi Welch, of York, who was inspired by Ewan Macgregor and Charley Boorman's television programme, Long Way Down.

Sgt Welch devised the 12-day 4,000-mile tour through England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Germany, France and Belgium which he and fellow motorcyclists, Major Craig Sutherland and Warrant Officer 2 Colin Bell, will undertake on their own motorcycles.

Charley Boorman, who has agreed to be the patron of the The Corps Tour 2008, said: "I wish them all the best and good luck with their challenge."

Each commanding officer across the Royal Signals will attempt to raise between £500 and £1,000 before the Corps Tour start date of April 21.

Major Sutherland, second-in-command of 2 Signal Regiment, said: "How the money is raised will be down to each individual unit. However, 2 Signal Regiment are intending to lead the way and raise at least £2,000.

"Individual fundraising events are firming up now, but will consist of a Land Rover Pull through the City of York, a 24-hour static biathlon-type event outside a local York supermarket, a charity car-wash in Imphal Barracks, a charity bike meet at a local café and a Nepalese curry stall cooked by our Gurkha soldier chefs.

"We would ask the public to give generously when they see our collection buckets. Businesses can help us too with sponsorship."

Help For Heroes was set up to support wounded soldiers and aims to raise £5 million to build a gym and swimming pool at Headley Court, which specialises in battle injuries.

Launched in September, it has already received more than £1m in donations.

If you could help with sponsorship, you can email Maj Sutherland at corpstour2008@armymail.mod.uk or phone him on 01904 662344.

If you wish to donate to Help For Heroes, or the Army Benevolent Fund, visit their website at www.army.mod.uk/15brigade