Injured veteran up for 'inspirational' award after cycling 60 miles

A veteran who was badly injured in Iraq is up for an award for his "inspiring" 60-mile cycle ride during lockdown.

Stephen Vause was 19 when he was wounded by a mortar bomb blast while serving in Basra in 2007.

Despite being unable to walk and requiring 24-hour specialist care Mr Vause cycled the equivalent of London to Brighton from his room at Royal Star and Garter in Surbiton, a charity which provides care for veterans.

After cycling three hours a day for six weeks he finished on 2 February and raised more than £5,000 for military charity Help for Heroes.

Mr Vause was shortlisted for the "inspiration" category at this year's Soldiering On Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of the armed forces community.