Fermanagh Lord Anthony Hamilton of Killyreagh, and his wife Katie, are the only participants from Northern Ireland who are among the 300 riders who set off on Monday, to cycle 327 miles through the Somme, Caen, and other World War One and World War Two battlefields in Northern France to raise awareness and funds for, 'Help for Heroes' - the charity formed to raise £5m for Headley Court, the Service's Rehabilitation Unit in Surrey.

Lord Anthony, nearly 69 years old and one of the oldest participants on the ride, explained: 'This will be a serious challenge for me as we have to cover about 70 miles each day, but I hope that it will help to highlight the plight of many of Britain's Servicemen and women wounded in current conflicts.

MORE FACILITIES

"There is an urgent need for more facilities, particularly a gymnasium and a swimming pool. At the moment, the wounded have inadequate rehabilitation facilities and they have to share the public pool in Leatherhead which can lead to all sorts of difficulties and complications."

"I feel that it is a really important and worthwhile cause – and it might also help my waist-line!'

Lord Anthony is Northern Ireland President of the Services charity, SSAFA (The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help.

He is encouraging people to sponsor him and his wife via the 'Just Giving' website www.justgiving.com/anthonyhamilton - where they have opened an account that will credit 'Help for Heroes' automatically. To date, the couple have raised over £11,000.

"We would like to thank all our very generous sponsors and supporters", wife, Katie added.