In honour of Armed Forces Day and her grandfather’s memory, a local woman is taking part in this years Big Battlefield Bike Ride.

Lexa Turner, 39 from Chitterne, will be taking part in the bike ride, organised by Help for Heroes, carrying her grandfather's military medal with her for inspiration.

Lexa is a psychological well-being practitioner in the Hidden Wounds service for veterans’ charity Help for Heroes.

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She has volunteered to cycle the gruelling 250-mile bike ride for the first time, which starts at Sainte-Mere-Eglise in Normandy on Tuesday, June 25 and ends in Paris on Saturday, June 29 which is Armed Forces Day.

As well as focusing on pedalling, she will be providing support for other participants in the ride as the mental health first aider.

David Douglas TurnerDavid Douglas Turner (Image: Help for Heroes)

Lexa said: “My grandfather David Douglas Turner fought through four wars in total. He signed up with the Royal Horse Artillery and saw action in France and the Middle East. He was also part of the invasion of Normandy, landing on Juno Beach and taking heavy guns through France and into Germany.” 

The Help for Heroes bike ride takes on more significance this year, in light of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and the sacrifices made by so many.

Lexa added: “My grandfather was only 22 when he was awarded a medal for leading his unit during the battle at Baltat Barham in Eqypt, and establishing a vital Light Aid Detachment, to ensure that the vehicles and guns of the Regiment were repaired and kept going.

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"His citation said that he showed outstanding ability, grit and determination during a long and hard fight.  He experienced a lot at such a young age and I know he felt really proud of the role he played in supporting the allies to defeat Nazi Germany.

“I’ve never ridden a bike any distance at all, but I want to honour his memory and that of his fellow servicemen who didn’t make it back.

"The ride goes to Juno beach, and I plan to lay a cross for him and everyone else who took part in the Normandy landings. I’m hoping my grandfather’s medal will help to keep me going.

“I am immensely proud of the role my grandfather in the Second World War, and I believe it is important to remember those veterans we have lost and equally care for those who have served in our armed forces, who are facing difficulties today.”

Lexa’s grandfather served in the army for a full career and was a Colonel with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers when he eventually retired. Sadly, he died at the age of 59, caused by the toll of the action he saw in France and the Middle East.

Lexa added: “There are around 140 people taking part in this year’s bike ride, some of whom are beneficiaries who have been supported by Help for Heroes, and some who are veterans themselves who want to raise money to help our work.

“As a therapist myself, I know how valuable physical activity can be, and in particular something like riding a bike, for improving mental health and overall psychological well-being. The comradery shared on the ride will help everyone both on and off the road.”