THREE soldiers based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire have completed a 114-mile cycle ride in nine hours in memory of a colleague who died of cancer.

Staff Sergeant Mark Ford and Lance Corporals Dave Stanley and Tim Aston, all members of the Military Provost Guard Service, made the journey to raise money following the death of fellow soldier Lance Corporal Billy Trotter last year.

The team, along with support from MPGS colleagues, cycled from Workington to Sunderland to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Research, a charity that made a huge difference to LCpl Trotter’s quality of life during his illness.

Staff Sergeant Ford said: “Despite his illness, Billy volunteered to be part of the team which supported three cyclists over a period of ten days during a cycle ride from John O’ Groats to Land’s End, a journey of over 900 miles.

“His efforts helped raise thousands of pounds for charity. We therefore thought it a fitting tribute to Billy that we should conduct this ride and dedicate it to his memory.

“Just over nine hours and 114 miles completed we celebrated the end with a well earned bag of fish and chips and a beer.

“I can honestly say that it was an experience I will not forget, the longest and hardest days’ cycling I have ever done.

“At the last count we hope to have collected over £500 for this very worthy cause. Thank you again to everyone who supported us.”