Charity bike ride celebrates the life of Victoria Cross recipient James Ashworth and raises money for Blesma

16 April 2013

Family and friends of a decorated soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last year will jump on their saddles and cycle from Edinburgh to London later this month to raise money for two charities including Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

James Ashworth was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross of bravery recently for serving in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed on an operation against Taliban forces in the Nahr–e-Seraj district of Helmand Province on 13 June 2012.

Father Duane, brothers Coran and Carl and old friends Jermaine Jones, David Miller and Liam Black – all from Corby, will jump on their bikes with 15 others on Monday 22 April as they set off from the Edinburgh castle and finish at the iconic Wellington Barracks on Saturday 27 April.

Wellington Barracks, conveniently close to Buckingham Palace is of special significance to the family as James was stationed there.

On Sunday 28 April, the cyclists will ride from the outskirts of Corby and finish at the town’s landmark the Cube, to celebrate the life of their local hero - James Ashworth.

Friends Jermaine, David and Liam who played football with him say: "Throughout his life, James has stood for tremendous courage and unwavering determination. He was a truly dedicated soldier and never once flinched from serving his country in the most hostile of conditions. It’s this strength of character which has inspired his family, friends and other supporters to jump on their saddles and raise money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans and Help for Heroes, the two charities which share his commitment to military causes.”

Jerome Church, Chief Executive Blesma says: “We are humbled to be selected for support by the family and friends of an extraordinarily brave soldier. We will honour his memory in the work we do for those who survive disabling injuries.”

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

To support the bike ride and raise money in memory of James Ashworth, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/AshworthCycle

For more information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans visit www.blesma.org

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