A VETERAN traumatised by his experiences as an army medic is preparing to take part in a gruelling 260-mile bike ride as part of his recovery.

Glenn Prosho, from Darlington, served 25 years with the Royal Army Medical Corps, going on operations all over the world from Cyprus and Ireland to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The experience of trying to treat the most severely wounded in the operating theatres in Afghanistan in 2010 during a period of the most intense war fighting seen, took its toll on Mr Prosho’s mental health and led to a “massive mental breakdown”.

Mr Prosho, 42, suffers from severe depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder – but is fighting back with the help for Help for Heroes recovery centre Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison.

He said cycling now plays an enormous role in his life, but taking part in Hero Ride over a 260-mile route organised by Help for Heroes will be his toughest two-wheel challenge yet.

Mr Prosho, who lives in Cockerton with his wife Donna, is one of 20 wounded, injured and sick members of the military or veterans taking part in Hero Ride North.

Ten riders are cycling from Edinburgh, and ten – including Mr Prosho – are joining at Catterick, and there are 40 places left for members of the public too.

Mr Prosho took up cycling last April when he first visited Phoenix House to attend an army-led course in preparation for his medical discharge at the end of 2014.

While at the centre, he joined Team True Spirit - a Help for Heroes group that encourages veterans to take part in extreme physical challenges, including Ironman UK which he completed three months later.

Since then, the father of two has completed a bicycle mechanics course as part of his resettlement.

He said: “Cycling is therapy and intrinsic to my recovery. If I’m not riding bikes, I’m repairing them.

“I am most looking forward to the social aspect of Hero Ride, especially cycling alongside our supporters – finding out all about them, saying thank you for their contribution to Help for Heroes, and also enabling them to get to know me.

“What I am not looking forward to is a sore behind,” he added.

The team from Phoenix House will depart on Wednesday, June 17 and will reach Windsor Castle on Sunday, June 21.

Ten miles before crossing the finishing line, the Hero Ride North cyclists will meet up with riders coming in from other Help for Heroes centres for a service of remembrance at the Air Forces Memorial.

The registration fee for Hero Ride North 260 is £95. Participants are then asked to raise a minimum of £1,350 of which £600 is to cover the costs of their involvement.

To find out more or to reserve your place, visit www.heroride.org.uk.