Mary King leads by example and takes on a charity challenge in hopes of raising funds for Help for Heroes and wants more people to support the cause.
The Heroes Ride 200 cycling fundraiser encourages participants to ride 200 miles alone or in a team between June 1st and June 30th.
The 66-year-old veteran Mary is part of a team of six wounded veterans, the “Heroes Team”, which has come together for mutual support and motivation. She will cycle 200 miles on a recumbent tricycle.
Mary of Little Beckford, Worcestershire, wants more people to raise vital funds for wounded and sick veterans.
Mary served for five years in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as the Leading Wren MT (Motor Transport) Driver.
While on duty, she was involved in a traffic accident in which she was crushed in the spine and the injury eventually led to her quitting the armed forces.
Mary King Right – Vice President Rehearsal for HRH Princess Ann, who has been named Chief Commandant of the WRNS
14 years later, she was hit by a double-decker bus, which further injured her back and resulted in a series of leg operations.
Having enjoyed cycling all her life, she was dying to ride a bike, but found it impossible to use a bike. Fortunately, she got paid for a recumbent bike and signed up for a Help for Heroes bike camp in Stoke Mandeville.
She said, “We may not all ride together physically, but we can still enjoy good banter and you know everyone is there for you – and some of us may be able to arrange a ride together in June if we can, that will be fun!
“As soon as I heard about Heroes Ride 200, I signed up as it’s a fantastic excuse for me to come back out and feel the sense of escape that cycling gives.
“I also love the fact that it advocates inclusivity as I don’t think people realize how accessible cycling is as a sport and leisure activity.
“It really is something that anyone can do.”
To sign up for Heroes Ride 200, visit https://heroesride.helpforheroes.org.uk/.