Leigh Bland takes on a charity challenge!

A Royal Air Force Veteran, who had his leg amputated below the knee after a severe ankle injury, is aiming to cycle 100 miles in one day to raise vital funds for two Military charities that have supported him during UK lockdown.

Leigh Bland, 40, from Leicestershire, plans to complete the 100-mile cycle on 14 June in aid Blesma, The Limbless Veterans and America military charity Wounded Warrior Project.

Leigh was due to take part in the 2020 Prudential RideLondon, but the event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now he will be cycling 100 miles on a static indoor trainer.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge but also dreading it because I know it’s going to be rough on my leg. However, I know I can cycle with one leg. If it comes to it, I’ll just take the prosthetic off and keep going until I complete the 100 miles,” said Leigh, who joined the RAF in 1998, serving for 17 years.

Leigh decided to take on the challenge to thank both Blesma and American Military charity Wounded Warrior Project for their support during lockdown.

Leigh joined Blesma in 2013, and their ongoing support is enabling Leigh to fix his broken wheelchair tyres at a time when he is also struggling with his prosthetic and suffering from stump issues.

The charity also introduced Leigh to WWP through their rehabilitation activity programme, where he has enjoyed their lifechanging event Soldier Ride New York, which sees America and British armed forces personnel cycle around New York for three days, ending with a huge celebration. WWP have been keeping Leigh’s morale high by allowing him to be part of their virtual cycling events.

“I want to raise as much money as possible, so that these two charities can help wounded veterans like myself that need the support both physically and mentally to keep them going through these difficult times. I have been to the lowest of the low mentally and having this support from the charities means a lot. It can change lives. It saved mine. The two charities mean so much to me, so I want to give back. They are both doing their absolute best to support those who are finding it hard right now.”

Leigh is hoping to raise £500 from his epic 100-mile challenge. If you would like to support him, please visit his JustGiving page.