FORMER soldiers from Worcestershire have set out on another gruelling charity mission to make sure their wounded brothers never have to face their greatest battle alone.

The latest punishing tour of duty for Team Sapper, which has been supporting Help for Heroes since 2009, is an epic charity cycle ride from Berlin to Windsor.

The team, a winning combination of ex-soldiers and civilians, have already raised over £100,000 to literally put wounded soldiers back on their feet and keep them fighting fit but none seem content to sit idle in their saddles.

The 600 mile ride is the team's own unique version of the Help for Heroes 'Hero Ride', beginning

in Berlin this Saturday (June 13) and ending in Windsor on Sunday, June 21 which has been dubbed 'Heroes' Sunday'.

During the ride they will pass through Hameln, Hohne Arnhem and Colchester before merging with hundreds of other cyclists from different start points in Windsor in Berkshire.

The team has already raised for this venture alone £6,972.50 but hope the kindness of Worcester News readers can bring them closer to their £20,000 target.

Gerry Taggart of Upton Road, Powick, a former lieutenant colonel in the Royal Engineers and passionate cyclist, said: "In 2009, Team Sapper took part in the “Band of Brothers Bike Ride” for the new charity, Help for Heroes.

"We followed the route of the D-Day operation from Cherbourg to Paris. Since then we have formed a strong team, cycled seriously and raised a six-figure sum for the charity.

"In seven years, Help for Heroes has raised about £200 million for veterans and serving personnel, who have been wounded, injured, or become sick. ?"The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

"There are many charity cycle rides and runs but we believe that we have helped wounded and sick service people to have better lives."

Team Sapper is a cycling team of like-minded (mostly) ex-sappers who like challenging rides and enjoy the team spirit in support of Help for Heroes.

Team Sapper members were very impressed with Team Battle Back, which uses “adaptive” sports techniques, such as is used in the Paralympics.

Last year they funded new artificial arms for Paralympic cyclist, Jaco Van Gass. Local Team Sapper members this year are: Rick Allen, from Worcester St John’s Cycling Club, an ex-Royal Navy man and the most experienced cyclist in the group by far.

He not plans the routes and maintains discipline in group riding; Ian Seward from Rhydd, the team's support man and an ex- senior fire officer.

To support the team and make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/team-sapper