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Volunteers are undertaking a gruelling 24-hour static bike ride in Haverhill in aid of the charity Help for Heroes; but organisers are appealing for more volunteers to support the cause.

Two static bikes will be set up on the Haverhill market square and pedalling commences at midday on Saturday 19 July, carrying on through the night until midday on Sunday 20 July.

Richard Mead, a soldier from Haverhill currently serving with the Royal Corps of Signals, is leading the event. Richard said: “This is the heaviest fighting our forces have seen since World War II. Some of our servicemen and women have lost limbs or suffered brain damage in the line of duty. You can imagine how devastating this is for them and their families. These brave people deserve the best possible rehabilitation care which Help for Heroes aims to fund.”

Help for Heroes raises funds for Headley Court, a rehabilitation centre for injured British soldiers from the Army, Navy and RAF. A recent bike ride for the charity raised £1Million and made headlines across the country.

Haverhill Mayor Les Ager has kindly agreed to open the event and organisers hope that local businesses will get involved through corporate sponsorship or by encouraging their staff to pedal. The local police are supporting the event, plus pubs in the town have put up posters appealing for volunteers. Soldiers from 33 Engineer Regiment, based in Wimbish have donated a shelter to keep the cyclists cool and out of the sun.

Richard added: “If local people could volunteer just an hour of their time to get on the bikes or shake a donations bucket we could raise a lot of money for this really worthy charity. It’s going to be hard work but we’re all really dedicated and keen to raise as much money as possible.”

The event also has its own Facebook group and over twenty local people have signed up so far. The group also has a page on the Just Giving website which so far has raised £150.