FIVE years after losing his leg, a former soldier is preparing to ride 250 miles using a hand cycle to raise money for a charity very close to his heart.

Stephen Evans, from Darlington, is hoping to tackle the 250-mile Soldier Ride UK in October to raise money for the British Limbless Ex Servicemen's Association (Blesma).

The 54-year-old was in the Army for 15 years, but long-term damage sustained while serving in Northern Ireland more than 20 years ago meant he had to have his right leg amputated at the knee in January 2009.

Since the operation, the father-of-two has been volunteering for Blesma and was last year presented with an award for his work as a welfare representative for the North-East.

He helps to ensure all the limbless servicemen in the region, who are members of the charity, are getting the rehabilitation and day-to-day help they need.

“I just wanted to do something to raise money for Blesma as they helped me and so many other people,” he said.

“I have back problems and problems with my other leg so can’t run a marathon, and I can’t ride a proper bike for very long either.

“I was then introduced to hand cycling by Ian Thompson, Tanni Grey-Thompson’s husband, and fell in love with it.”

As part of this year’s Soldier Ride UK, Mr Evans will join about 30 limbless veterans and serving soldiers as they cycle a 250 mile route, starting in Brighton and eventually ending in London after six days.

Mr Evans will also be joined by his 21-year-old son, Sean, who will be riding the route as a volunteer support worker.

“I just want to show there is life after injury and show people the good work that Blesma does,” he said.

“When you get injured there is so much emphasis on your injury that you sometimes forget there is anything more to life.

“Blesma have given me so many opportunities and showed me there is more to life than being an amputee.

“The ride will be extremely tough but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Blesma provides rehabilitation and welfare support for all members of the Armed Forces who have been injured during service, even if they have only served for one day. For more information, visit blesma.org