Hero Jay '˜buzzing' for 3,000 mile bike trek

A Crawley soldier is gearing up for a mammoth charity challenge that will see him hand-cycle more than 3,000 miles across America.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2015, 15:55 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 05:10 BST

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Crawley soldier Jay Baldwin will hand-cycle 3,000 miles across America BKBCvOcHWDVbhKvBS_PiCrawley soldier Jay Baldwin will hand-cycle 3,000 miles across America BKBCvOcHWDVbhKvBS_Pi
Crawley soldier Jay Baldwin will hand-cycle 3,000 miles across America BKBCvOcHWDVbhKvBS_Pi

A brutal training regime has taken its toll on Sgt Jay Baldwin, 30, who told the Observer he was desperate for the challenge to begin.

Jay, of Northgate, lost both legs just above the knee when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in January 2012.

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In around five weeks’ time, he and 11 other serving and former members of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) will take on the ride of a lifetime.

Jay said: “I am buzzing for the idea and buzzing for the event but the training is getting a bit much - I have been training since January.

“I think some people think we are going to get on our bikes and ride, but I am having to train twice a day every day.

“I am excited but I wish it would hurry up and get here.”

Earlier this year, Jay underwent pioneering surgery in Australia which saw him fitted with permanent implants on which to connect his prosthetic legs. He will be the only member of the team using a hand bike for the challenge.

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He admitted his body was struggling to adapt to the strict training programme, which has seen his body weight drop from 110kg to 79kg.

He said: “There is a lot of pressure, mentally and physically, but when you come together as a team it is extremely do-able.

“I’m not looking forward to the Rockies because that is uphill. It is a lot harder for me to get up the hills than most of the guys.”

The group will cycle from the east to west coast, starting at Annapolis, Maryland, on September 7 and ending two weeks later at Santa Monica Pier, California. They will cross 12 states during the challenge and climb more than 170,000ft. The team, known as the Tigers, will raise money for its regimental charity, the Friends of PWRR.

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The charity provides ongoing support for soldiers and their families, including assistance in making life easier following disability or injury, as well supporting and advising soldiers and their families through difficult times.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Jay-Baldwin1/ or http://www.justgiving.com/teams/ridetorecovery/

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Related topics:ObserverAfghanistan