TWO disabled veterans are planning to cycle from Edinburgh to Thornbury this summer in order to raise money for two charities.

Patrick Medhurst-Feeney, 27, and Laura Ellis are hoping to raise money for charities Help for Heroes and Veterans with Dogs, who have both been helping the veterans to recover from life-changing physical and mental health problems.

The former armed force professionals aim to complete the impressive 518 mile challenge in just nine days, and will travel on a pair of recumbent bikes that enable the rider to sit in a laid-back reclining position.

The challenge will begin on Saturday, May 13 at Edinburgh Castle and will finish in Exeter Quay on Wednesday, May 22.

Patrick and Laura, who will arrive at Thornbury Castle on Saturday, May 20, have so far raised £645.00 of their £6,000 goal, and plan to split the money equally between Help for Heroes and Veterans with Dogs.

Both charities are renowned for working to improve the lives of British servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty.

The bike ride will be a mammoth task for the young veterans, who were both medically discharged from their roles in the armed forces.

Laura Ellis, formerly of the Royal Artillery and Royal Horse Artillery, was unable to continue her career in the army after she was diagnosed with nocturnal epilepsy – a condition that causes seizures.

In 2015, her medical issues were amplified when she was rushed to hospital with no feeling in the lower half of her body. She was diagnosed with Cauda Equina, a rare but serious condition that affects the spinal cord, and still faces ongoing lower back problems to this day.

Her cycle partner, Patrick Medhurst-Feeney, is also no stranger to life changing medical issues. Following an accident during his second tour of Afghanistan in 2013, he was flown back to the UK for an intensive treatment program and has since faced both mental and physical health problems. 

On the topic of the upcoming bike challenge, Patrick, a former Veterinary Technician at the Royal Army Veterinary Corp, said: “We've had great support from businesses around Thornbury, and have been offered accommodation at a campsite near Gloucestershire for the night.”

He added: “We won't be alone on this journey. Our small support crew are made up of veterans with mental health conditions and their support will be key.”

You can donate to their fundraiser and follow their progress and training on their Facebook page.