Forces veterans going the distance for charity
Pair plan Edinburgh to Exeter 500 mile trike marathon
A disabled army veteran from Stirling is gearing up for a 500-mile cycle to raise money for charity.
Laura Ellis (33), from St Ninians is planning the mammoth cycle from Edinburgh to Exeter this summer alongside another veteran to raise cash for the charities who helped their recovery.
Laura will be joined by Patrick Medhurst-Feeney (27) from Plymouth.
The duo are aiming to raise over £6000 for Help for Heroes and Veterans with Dogs, who have both been helping the veterans to recover from lifechanging physical and mental health problems.
The former armed forces professionals aim to complete the 518 mile challenge in just nine days using recumbent bikes, starting from Edinburgh Castle on Saturday May 13 and finishing in Exeter Quay on Wednesday, May 22.
The pair met during their recovery and kept in contact before Laura came up with the idea of the epic cycle ride.
Laura, formerly of the Royal Artillery and Royal Horse Artillery, was unable to continue her career in the army after being diagnosed with nocturnal epilepsy.
In 2015, her medical issues worsened 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, underwent spinal surgery at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital a year ago and still faces ongoing lower back problems.
She also has mental health issues including PTSD following her service.
Laura, who now lives in West Lothian, said: “I got a grant from Help for Heroes for a recumbent bike last December. It’s the only way I can cycle as I can’t sit up on a normal bike. I also got my assistance dog Scout through Veterans for Dogs. He’s amazing – he can predict my seizures 20 minutes beforehand.
“I wanted to give something back to both charities – they’ve made such a difference to my recovery journey. It has just snowballed ever since.”
As soon as her three daughters and two stepsons are dropped off at school and nursery, Laura is out on her bike training around West Lothian.
The pair – who have already raised over £1000 of their target have had generous support from local companies but are looking for further sponsors and point out that every company that helps them will be advertised on their clothing worn while completing the challenge.
Anyone wishing to support Laura and Patrick can do so at https://mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/thetriketour17 and follow their progress on Facebook.