Soldier bikes to help the Poppy Appeal

Former soldier Richard Gee is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for this year’s Poppy Appeal after riding his motorbike from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Former soldier Richard Gee did a sponsored ride on his motorbike from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for this year's Poppy Appeal. He will also auction off his bike to raise money. He hopes to raise £6,000.Former soldier Richard Gee did a sponsored ride on his motorbike from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for this year's Poppy Appeal. He will also auction off his bike to raise money. He hopes to raise £6,000.
Former soldier Richard Gee did a sponsored ride on his motorbike from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for this year's Poppy Appeal. He will also auction off his bike to raise money. He hopes to raise £6,000.

Mr Gee, 34, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving six-months in Iraq in 2003 as part of the First Battalion Light Infantry.

But the inspirational dad-of-four spent four days last month riding the length of the country via all of the British Superbike tracks to raise money for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

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Mr Gee, of Minsthorpe Vale, South Elmsall, said: “I first had the idea of doing something to help raise money for the legion about two years ago but because of my condition I couldn’t do it.

“The post traumatic stress disorder means I can’t go out on my own and loud noises brings it all back.

“It’s hard to explain what I have been through and what I have seen but there are people far worse off than me and I was determined to do something to help them.”

Mr Gee completed his 2,193 mile trip between October 12 and 15.

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He has so far raised £1,100 for the RBL but is hoping to raise a further £6,000 by auctioning off the motorbike which he had specially built for the trip.

Mr Gee said: “I am a biker and I love being out on a ride.

“When I’m on my own on the bike I get to learn a lot about myself.

“I mentioned the idea to the legion’s bikers team and they loved it so I got loads of help from businesses to help make sure the bike was up to scratch.”

Mr Gee thanked his partner Claire Jones for her support and everyone who helped with the building of the bike.

He now hopes to hold a further event in April to auction off the bike and is also selling raffle tickets.

For more information or to help with the raffle contact Mr Gee on 07738 096749.

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