A FORMER soldier from Durrington is getting into gear for a 24-hour cycling challenge in France in memory of his friend.

Simon Hewitt, who served in the army for more than 21 years, will be doing the Cyclosportive Le Mans 24H Velo to raise money for children’s military charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers. 

The charity provides support for children who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces.

The 41-year-old has seen first-hand the work the charity carries out, following the death of his friend Scott Creighton in 2015.

Scott, who served in the army for 16 years left behind his wife Vicki, and their two children Callum and Jayden, who have both benefited from Scotty’s support.

Simon said: “It’s the first time I’ve raised money for Scotty’s but I’ve seen the amazing work they do for Scott’s family, and it’s a charity very close to my heart.

“I’m really into cycling and I’m actually an indoor cycling instructor, so it seemed like the best way to fundraise.

“I also took part in the event last year, but now I’m much more prepared psychologically and physically, even though I haven’t done that much training.”

He added: “I have no idea how much I’m going to raise but hopefully it will make a big difference to Scotty’s Little Soldiers.”

Fitness fanatic Simon, who was in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and was based at a number of different locations around the world, as well as Tidworth and Warminster, will take on the challenge on August 20.

He is aiming to complete 100 laps and cover a distance of more than 418 kilometres within 24 hours.

The Le Mans 24H Velo is a timed sportive at the Bugatti Circuit in the Sarthe department of Pays de la Loire and will see thousands of cyclists from across the world taking to the track, riding as soloists or in teams of two, four, six or eight.

To make a donation go to Uk.virginmoneygiving.com/simoncycleslemans.