For our comrades; Challenge will help the injured.

Byline: By SARAH JUDD

BRAVE soldiers coping with horrific injury in the aftermath of war have inspired a group of cyclists to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

Twelve men from Teesside will make the back-breaking thousand-mile bike journey from Land's End to John O'Groats between May 23 and 29.

But despite the prospect of saddle-sore and aching muscles, all 12 are smiling, knowing their efforts could raise thousands of pounds for war heroes who have lost limbs, or faced other horrific injuries which will have a life-long impact.

Under their banner Riding For The Troops, the gang will raise funds for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association or BLESMA.

Paul Cutler, of Norton, is the 13th man who will assist the riders from the comfort of his van. He knows only too well about the horror of war.

The former Green Howard and current reserve list serviceman has seen comrades defy death, but face a life affected by awful injuries.

Paul, who served in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq witnessed "the odd bomb going off" and mortar attacks.

He said: "The press don't know the half of it. You hear about the fatalities, but for every fatality there could be three or four injured soldiers.

"Those injuries could be the loss of an arm or a leg or eyes. The public just don't get to know about that."

In the aftermath of combat, soldiers such as these face the terrifying prospect of adjusting to life with major disabilities.

Paul said: "When you're in a war zone it's in your face every day and you just feel like you want to do something about it."

Which is where Paul and the rest of the cyclists' support for BLESMA comes in.

The charity aims to give ex-service men and women who have lost limbs or the use of them a counselling service and help with everyday problems. It also assists those who have lost eyes or sight.

Paul, who currently works as a team leader in a drug and alcohol unit, has an attitude that highlights the bravery of our soldiers.

He said: "People used to say, 'why do you go?' but to me it's like crossing the road. If anything happens to you it's fate."

Paul, who is married with three grown-up children, also pays tribute to the support of the families of troops back home, who also face the prospect of their lives being turned upside down if a loved one is seriously injured - or worse.

He said: "I've been married to Denise for 27 years and it's a long time when you are in the army as the wives of soldiers are under a lot of pressure.

"She's been with me all the time and understands the mentality that if you go away, you could well get injured or come back in a body bag.

"Families back home have to cope with that."

Paul believes the bike ride will give team members from Redcar, Ingleby Barwick, Marske and Yarm a goal to work towards - despite the fact a couple of the cyclists have already completed the challenge once.

Eight of the team, including Tony Gilbert, George Rock, Steve Brady, Russ Borrow, Stevie Brownless, Jacky Boyce, Paul Beal and John Chance have even scaled the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - cycling to each mountain in between climbs.

"There are some fit lads and this will give them a goal," said Paul.

"More to the point, a lot of them are ex-soldiers who want to put something back by supporting the charity - and BLESMA is a fantastic cause."

Are you an ex-service man or woman whose life has been changed because of injuries suffered in conflict? Email Sarah Judd at [e-mail] or call 01642 234218.

TO HELP as many soldiers affected by war as possible, Paul and the rest of the team are looking for business sponsorship to assist with accommodation costs on their travels. Call Paul on 07828128005 or e-mail [e-mail]

To sponsor the cyclists visit www.ridingforthetroops.co.uk or send a cheque payable to Riding For The Troops to 4 Toddington Drive, Norton, Stockton TS20 1RQ.

CAPTION(S):

FAMILY MAN: Paul at home, left, with wife Denise, daughters, left to right, Jemma, Lauren and Stacey and grandchildren Mitchell and Brooke Picture by DOUG MOODY; WAR HERO: Paul Cutler in his Green Howard days, left