A GROUP of soldiers are gearing up for the mammoth challenge of cycling 1,000 miles in seven days, calling in Swansea, to help support their wounded comrades.

The team of eight will be getting into the hot seat to not only boost Help for Heroes — which helps injured servicemen from Iraq and Afghanistan — but also to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Sergeant Barri Davies, aged 37, from Llanelli, will be among the team members taking part in the special ride, which has won the backing of both English and Welsh rugby unions.

The link-up will see the octet stop off at the grounds of all 16 English and Welsh Rugby Union teams, who will be battling out in this year's Anglo-Welsh Rugby Union cup.

They will end their trip by handing over the rugby ball which will be used in the final of the Anglo Welsh Cup at Six Ways Stadium in Worcester.

The event, called Exercise Rhino Poppy, was inspired by the interests of soldiers involved, including rugby union and cycling.

Major Jim Lambeth, who is leading the challenge, said: "There are few people who, after serving in the Armed Forces for even the briefest time, haven't seen first-hand the work of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

"They are tremendous charities, supporting those in immediate need, and those, and their families, who need sustained support long after they've left the Services.

"The cyclists are all serving soldiers, and along with a great many of our colleagues, we feel passionately about the vital work these two charities undertake.

"It's a privilege to be raising money for two such worthy causes."

The route will take the cyclists via Newcastle, Leeds, Stockport, Leicester, Northampton, Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Gloucester, Worcester, Bath, Reading, High Wycombe, Watford and Twickenham.

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk