TWO Weymouth men with disabilities are gearing up for a ride to Normandy and back - with a huge hand from a business.
As previously reported, ex-Royal Navy man Wayne Clark and Eyan Naylor, along with four other riders, will ride 264 miles in total - starting from Weymouth's seafront on Sunday, June 19.
READ MORE: Weymouth Veterans Hub to ride to Normandy for great causes
They will travel to France via a ferry from Poole on June 20, and plan to arrive at the British Normandy Memorial, in Ver-sur-Mer on the same day.
They will then spend a few days in France before making the return journey on June 24, eventually reaching Weymouth on June 25.
To give a helping hand, staff at Halfords, in Weymouth's Jubilee Close - led by manager Chris Whitewood - have been providing free repairs for the riders, and will also be hopping on a bike to ride the equivalent distance of the journey.
Wayne's dad Andy Clark, said: "We're riding to France for the charity Headway - the brain injury specialist group."
Wayne, 42, was hit on the back of his head by someone after an argument in December 2020. After being in a coma and then having multiple operations he was left with no feeling in his left arm and struggling to speak.
Chris Whitewood, manager at Halfords, said: "We heard about their story and wanted to help after being inspired.
"We've been offering free checks on their bikes, plus new equipment.
"Our staff will also take part in the challenge, taking it in turns to ride on a stationary bike outside our store on the dates of the ride."
The team will depart from the Jubilee Clock at 1pm on Sunday June 19, following the Veteran's Parade returning to the Esplanade on Saturday, June 25.
Also, putting pedal to the metal is Eyan Naylor, 44, who had his club foot removed in the summer of 2020.
Mr Naylor will be raising money for the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), which represents the needs of the whole serving and veterans community.
Veterans Hub founder Andy Price, who will also take part in the ride, said: "The project is about solidarity and how people can prove to themselves they can do anything - and beat the odds - if they put their minds to it."
The group hope to raise £5,000, which will be split between DMWS, Headway, and the Veterans Hub.
To support the team visit: www.gofundme.com and search 'Op PANTHA - Cycling from Weymouth to Normandy'.
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