A FORMER paratrooper from Sale is part of a Help for Heroes team that will take on one of the world’s toughest endurance cycling events, the epic 3,000 mile Race Across America (RAAM).

Jaco Van Gass is one of of eight wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel, plus two reserves, who are taking on the challenge.

The team members all suffer from psychological and physical wounds, and they will push themselves to the limit both physically and mentally in the pursuit of finishing the RAAM in under seven days.

The RAAM, which begins on June 17, is the world’s pre-eminent and longest running endurance cycling race and is considered by many to be the one of the world’s toughest endurance cycling events.

The riders are using the challenge as a recovery tool, as well as aiming to raise £100,000 for Help for Heroes as a way of giving back to a charity which has supported them since injury.

Starting in Oceanside, California competitors pass through 12 states, covering 3,081 miles and climbing in excess of 170,000 feet before finishing in Annapolis, Maryland. To achieve their seven-day target, the team will need to maintain an average speed of over 18.3 mph covering a minimum of 440 miles a day.

Jaco was hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade just two weeks from the end of his second tour of Afghanistan with 1 Para, the Parachute Regiment.

The injuries he sustained included the loss of his left arm at the elbow, collapsed left lung, shrapnel wounds to his left side, punctured internal organs, blast wounds to left upper thigh, broken tibia and fractured knee.

“It ended my military career and left me helpless and afraid of what the future might look like,” recalled Jaco.

In the beginning he was very reliant on all medical staff and his family for support, even with day to day tasks.

Then, the keen sportsman had to come to terms with the fact that he could no longer pursue many of the hobbies he had enjoyed. Cycling, though, was still accessible.

“With a few clever adaptations I can get on a bike and go where I want,” said the 30-year-old.

“Cycling gives me freedom and I like going fast. Cycling makes it an equal playing field between me and able-bodied individuals.”

Because of this, Jaco has had the Race Across America Challenge in his sights for a while – but as a solo rider. Being able to join Help for Heroes team this year will give him the experience he needs for that but, more importantly, has given him something to strive for at a time when he needed focus.

He trains six days a week – four detailed sessions and two when he does something that he enjoys such as a long ride with a coffee stop or trip to the gym.

“I am a bit lost and find myself in a place in my life at the moment with a great deal of change. RAAM provides me with a great deal of motivation and purpose at this time. The training and preparation keeps me motivated and focused so I can be in the best position to help the team complete this challenge.”

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Help for Heroes, Jon-Paul Nevin, said: “A challenge like Race Across America helps to emphasise the power of sport in the recovery process for our wounded, injured and sick.

"Sport is incredibly powerful as a means of rebuilding confidence and providing a sense of empowerment, as well as aiding physical and mental recovery. By taking part in this epic feat and demonstrating their strength and determination in both training for and completing this challenge, the riders will hopefully inspire many others who are trying to rebuild their life post-injury.”

The riders hope to raise £100,000 for Help for Heroes. To support them, go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support