Brother's death in Afghanistan inspires charity effort

By Laura Maltby Wednesday 05 December 2012 Updated: 10/12 08:06

Chris was a torchbearer in Kenilworth prior to the London 2012 Olympics this year. (s)

A TORCHBEARER who raised more than £5,000 for Help for Heroes after his brother was killed in Afghanistan is getting back on his bike for the charity.

In July Chris Bolger was selected as a torchbearer in recognition of the money he has raised for the charity and donned a white tracksuit to run up the Warwick Road in Kenilworth.

But the 31-year-old from Kenilworth will soon be swapping his tracksuit for cycling shorts as he attempts to raise a further £5,000 for the charity by taking part in a challenging 370-mile bike ride from Paris to London next May.

For Chris the cause is very close to his heart as his 30-year-old brother Stephen was killed in May 2009 when the vehicle he was travelling in hit a mine in Afghanistan.

And although there was nothing that could be done to help Stephen, Chris is confident had his brother's injuries been less severe, he would almost certainly have benefited from the work of the charity.

Chris will complete the bike ride over five days with partner Hannah Rogers, and the pair will be stopping at battlesites in Northern France and Southern Britain, to pay respects to those who fought and lost their lives for their country.

Chris said: “Help for Heroes provides really valuable support for our troops and I’m glad to have the opportunity to raise funds to allow them to continue with their work.

"I'm really looking forward to the bike ride and although I know it'll be a big challenge, both physically and emotionally, when I'm struggling, hearing the inspiring stories of those we're cycling with and focusing on the difference our fundraising will make will help keep us going.

“It’s our way of trying to make sure something good comes out of such a tragic event for our family.”

The pair are now appealing for local businesses to support them.

Email chris_bolger03@hotmail.com if you can help or visit bmycharity.com/hannahandchris to donate.