THREE Colchester soldiers are preparing to pedal for the pounds by undertaking a 100-mile cycle in aid of a military charity.

Three Lance Corporals based at Merville Barracks will be taking on a cycling challenge on June 8, in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Attached to the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Hugo Leonard, Jim Newton, and Freddy Mouland are BATLS-qualified Combat Medical Technicians.

While providing vital health protection roles both in camp and on overseas operations, they also maintain a strong personal commitment to fitness.

Despite being novices to long-distance cycling, all three are keen athletes, with Lance Corporal Mouland highly involved in both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and rugby.

He has previously represented the Army Medical Services Rugby Team and the under-23 Army side.

Their charitable endeavour is part of the 'RAFA Ride' series, a fundraising initiative for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Joined by many other like-minded cyclists, they will embark on their journey from RAF Brize Norton, cycling at pace through the leafy Oxfordshire countryside.

Lance Corporal Mouland said: "All of us being service personnel hold SSAFA dear to our hearts as we’ve seen the positive impact it has on personnel still serving and veterans, and their families.

"It's amazing, too, to see the services SSAFA provides, including its mentoring service for those who are exiting the service for them to adjust back to civilian life, which can be a very hard transition."

SSAFA is an organisation with a long history of adapting its services to meet the changing needs of military personnel and their families.

Services range from a mentoring programme for those transitioning back to civilian life, to bereavement support groups and a short breaks scheme catering to serving families with a child living with additional needs.

In addition, a key focus for the charity is maintaining connections between former servicemen and women.

Mr Mouland added: "My grandfather used to tell me before I joined the Army that his Army friends were some of the best friends he ever made, and I now look back on what he said and truly appreciate and value these words of his."

To donate to their fundraising page visit gofundme.com/f/2-para-rap-100-mile-cycle-for-charity. 

To track their progress visit Instagram and searched for @Fred.Mou, @j_n3wton, and @hugoleopold.