Best of The West Challenge 2 - October 2026

Hello, my name is Dan, and I am a veteran of the Royal Engineers with 18 years of service. I was medically discharged due to an injury I sustained during my service, which led to challenges with my mental health. This period was difficult for both my family and me.I faced considerable uncertainty regarding my health and well-being and found it hard to leave the house or engage in conversations. In 2015, I was invited by Bike Tours For The Wounded (BT4TW) to join a tour. Initially, I was surprised and apprehensive, especially as I had not been outside my home for 18 months. However, they reassured me I would be well looked after, and a friend attending the tour provided comfort and trust in the process.Participating in this trip marked the beginning of my recovery. Being surrounded by others in similar or more challenging situations, coupled with light-hearted camaraderie, was a significant turning point for me. I reached out to the Op Courage team and underwent several years of therapy, which greatly improved my mental state. I even felt inspired to start my own locksmith business.Recently, I learned that BT4TW tours are coming to an end, and I am seeking to raise funds to participate as a rider in the final tour. Inspired by my experience with BT4TW, I obtained my bike licence, and I wish to provide a wounded, injured, or sick (WIS) soldier with the same incredible opportunity I received, as this experience truly changed my life.I understand that times are tough, and many are facing the rising cost of living. However, if you can contribute to this meaningful cause, you will be providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a WIS soldier, potentially assisting them on their road to recovery.Thank you in advance for your support.Best regards, Dan.

I had a serious tractor accident 35 years ago (I was on a motorcycle), and ended up as a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead (a burns and reconstructive surgery specialist NHS Trust). I am now a Governor of the Trust, alongside my old surgeon Roger, and Terry who first told me about BT4TW as he'd ridden on a couple.For clarity, us riders are paying our own way (I am going to be riding some of the most epic roads under the biggest skies in the Western USA!), but this fundraiser is to enable wounded Veterans to come along and ride with us for free.I am hoping to learn much from the guys, and where I can, perhaps pay forward from some of my own experience of recovering, both physically & mentally, from life changing injuries.Trauma is isolating, but riding motorcycles brings people together in a very special way. These tours make a heck of a difference, which ever seat you're sat on. Thank you so much for spreading the word and for any support you can give to the guys and gals who get to think some things out under those big skies. Charlie

I’ll be taking part in the "Best of the West" Wounded Warrior Challenge in the USA in September/October with Bike Tours for the Wounded C.I.C. (BT4TW). I have created this page to help raise some much-need funds forthe incredible work BT4TW does to support British Forces veterans. Over the last 16 years, they’ve helped hundreds of veterans improve their mental health and have played a vital role in preventing numerous suicides. If you’re able, please consider making a donation and help me reach my fundraising goal. Every contribution makes a real difference. 

I’ll be taking part in the "Best of the West" Wounded Warrior Challenge in the USA in September/October with Bike Tours for the Wounded C.I.C. (BT4TW). I have created this page to help raise some much-need funds forthe incredible work BT4TW does to support British Forces veterans. Over the last 16 years, they’ve helped hundreds of veterans improve their mental health and have played a vital role in preventing numerous suicides. If you’re able, please consider making a donation and help me reach my fundraising goal. Every contribution makes a real difference.