A team of 12 veterans and ex-servicemen took on a 4,500-mile motorcycle challenge to mainland Europe’s most northerly point, Nordkapp, to fundraise for the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre Appeal at the Orthopaedic Hospital.

The Nordkapp Bikers raised more than £3,000 for the appeal, launched back in October 2017 to help fund a new £1.5 million Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre to treat veteran patients in a bespoke care environment.

Rick Prichard, who served in the British Army, was the driving force behind the fundraising challenge.

He said: “The whole experience of biking to Nordkapp was fantastic and the fact we had the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause made it even better.

“I served in the British Army for 26 years, and during my time I have undergone knee surgery as a result of the job.

“I know how important it is for any veteran to be properly support after they have left the services, and the planned Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre is an excellent way of achieving that.”

The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre will develop the current Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service – the first of its kind in the UK that treats patients with arthritic lower limb problems.

The service is led by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and serving officer in the British Army.

The team travelled more than 300 miles a day through the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway before reaching Nordkapp, which is beyond the Arctic Circle.

Helen Knight, fundraising manager at the Orthopaedic, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Nordkapp Bikers for their fantastic efforts in raising a fantastic amount of money and also taking on such a difficult challenge.

“Our fundraisers help us to provide the best possible care for our patients – the money Rick raises for us will hugely benefit our veteran patients.”