A VETERAN soldier whose army career was cut short when he lost a leg in a hit-and-run smash will cycle hundreds of miles in aid of the charity that helped him recover.

Gaz Golightly, of Spennymoor, County Durham, had been a vehicle specialist in the Royal Logistic Corps for less than a year when he was badly hurt in a road accident.

The crash happened as he drove back to barracks in Wiltshire, in 2002, and after dragging himself from a blazing car he was left with horrific injuries including nerve damage and a shattered pelvis and lost his right leg.

Having fought his way back to health, he is one of 15 wounded, injured or sick soldiers and veterans preparing to ride 423-miles from Edinburgh to London, in aid of Help for Heroes.

The 31-year-old will attempt the ride, which begins on Tuesday, May 28, on a hand bike.

Mr Golightly, a married father of two girls, said: “I only tried the bike for the first time just before Easter.

“I was told I was good, so got stuck in and have clocked up quite a few miles since then.

“The sense of achievement I will have by managing to cycle from Edinburgh to London after such a small amount of training will be really something, so dramatic.”

As well as coping with his physical injuries Mr Golightly struggled to adjust to civilian life and became introspective.

He credits Help for Heroes with helping him improve the quality of his life.

He took up wheelchair basketball at the charity’s Phoenix House Recovery Centre, in Catterick Garrison, where sessions are led by Newcastle Eagles coach Adam Parry, and Help for Heroes helped him buy a special wheelchair to use while playing.

He said: “Since then, Help for Heroes has roped me into all sorts.

“I have started doing archery again, which I used to do when I was younger, even swimming, and my wife Denise says she has seen a real change in me.

“I am no longer withdrawn and am much happier.” Hundreds of riders are taking part in similar Hero Rides across the country and will all meet at Blackheath, in London, on Saturday, June 2.

Funds raised by Mr Golightly’s team will go to Phoenix House. To make a donation visit bmycharity.com/catterickrecoverycentreheroride .