09/07/2026
The Big Battlefield Bike Ride for Help For Heroes update- the lads are back!!
Spartans
Dean and Paul
This is our story
There is an old saying that:
“A Spartan is known not by the words he speaks, but by the actions he takes.”
This week, under the guidance of Help for Heroes’ Chief Advocacy Ambassador and co-founder, Mark Elliott, we earned the privilege of being called Spartans. It is not a title that is claimed; it is one that is bestowed on those who complete this remarkable journey in support of our wounded veterans.
Our planned challenge was to cycle 250 miles across the battlefields of the Somme. In temperatures approaching 40°C, safety had to come first and accordingly the route was shortened to 200 miles. Nobody minded. The distance had changed, but the purpose never did.
We could tell you about the miles ridden, the relentless heat and the tired legs. We could describe the laughter, the camaraderie and the inevitable aches and pains.
But that would miss the point.
The real story lies with the remarkable men and women we had the privilege to ride alongside.
Some carry injuries that everyone can see. Others carry wounds that remain hidden. Yet every one of them displayed extraordinary courage, resilience and humility. Their military service may have ended, but for many, their journey continues every single day.
We stood in quiet reflection during Last Post ceremonies at the Menin Gate, the Indian Memorial, the Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Ridge and Thiepval. All made even more special by the lamenting pipes played by our very own Piper Tom Smith
One message, shared by Cycling Padre Sean Robertshaw, has stayed with me throughout the week—Legacy.
Legacy is not about what we leave behind of ourselves. It is about what we leave behind for others.
Help for Heroes lives that legacy every day by providing practical support, recovery, rehabilitation and hope for those whose lives have been changed by military service.
We listened to outstanding battlefield talks from Dan Hill and Jesse Alexander at Hill 60, Butte de Warlencourt and the Cambrai Tank Memorial to name but a few.
We are indebted to Help for Heroes patrons Francie Clarkson, Ken Hames MBE, Brian Wood MC and Jim Reading, together with ambassadors Nick Garland, Chris Jones and Gemma Morgan. Their openness, honesty and willingness to share deeply personal experiences gave us all a greater understanding of the realities faced by so many veterans. Their encouragement carried us through every mile.
To every single person who has sponsored us, encouraged us or simply wished us well—thank you.
Our ride is now over.
However, For many of our veterans, theirs is not.
Your generosity has humbled us.
Our fundraising page will remain open for a little while longer. If you would still like to support this outstanding charity, every donation, no matter the size, will help ensure that veterans receive the practical help and emotional support when they need it most. We self funded our ride so Evey Penny of your donation goes directly to Help For Heroes. If you would care to support this very wonderful Charity a small donation to each of us would be appreciated:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/dean-collyer-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-north-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Our adventure over. Today, we come to see our great new friends at Broughton Community Shop and to pay our respects to those from the village who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the two World Wars.
We will remember Them…
Finally!
We arrived in Ypres as cyclists.
We are very proud to have come home as Help for Heroes Spartans.
Thank you,
Dean and Paul
