Ex-Army mechanic completes charity cycle challenge

Kieran Palmer said he and his team only got "proper bikes" three weeks before embarking on the 100-mile challenge

A former Army mechanic has taken part in a 100-mile (161km) bike ride in aid of a charity that supported him when he left the armed forces.

Kieran Palmer, 26, rode the Tour de Broads event in aid of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) which helped him rebuild his career after he was discharged due to mental health issues.

Mr Palmer, of Wendling, Norfolk, had served for almost five years with 15 Signal Regiment.

He said of SSAFA: "They helped me out, probably at one of my lowest points... they stepped in and helped me get the equipment I needed to go out and work in the career I am now working in," he said.

The charity supports people in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families and provides direct support to people in need of physical or emotional care.

Since he left the Army, he has been repairing heavy machinery, which he said had brought back a sense of purpose and mobility that he found while serving.

On 17 August he took part in the cycling challenge through the Norfolk countryside, alongside his father, uncle and cousin, who rode 100 miles (161km) between them.

"We decided to do it two months before and my dad hadn't been on a bike properly at least for a couple of years and I've never really been that much into cycling," he said.

"I used to cycle to school at 16... we had one bike between us and got proper bikes three weeks before."

Mr Palmer and his family have raised more than £400 for the charity

Mr Palmer said he took it as an opportunity to see the countryside at a slower pace.

He said: "Between 30 (48km) and 50 miles (80km) I was pretty much by myself pedalling along and the only thing that was going through the back of my mind was 'If it helps someone else who is in a similar situation to me it will make it all worth it.'"

Since the challenge, he has raised more than £400.

He said: "I nearly cried... just seeing that people were willing to put their money where their mouth is and support it and all the messages coming through... it hits you right in the heart; it makes you really emotional."