AIRBORNE medics cycled hundreds of miles to pay tribute to their Second World War origins in a tough charity challenge.

A team of 24 troops from Colchester’s 19 Medical Squadron, 16 Medical Regiment set out to cycle 435 miles on an exercise bike in just one day at Merville Barracks.

The distance was chosen because it is the equivalent of travelling between the scene of the D-Day landings in Normandy to the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, where Allied troops from the British 1st Airborne Division attempted to capture a bridge going above the river Rhine.

Unexpected German resistance meant just a small group of less than 800 men managed to reach the other side.

The Germans eventually overcame them but it took four days meaning supplies coming in and out were limited.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day and Operation Market Garden - which was the codename for the bridge attempt.

Troops took on the gruelling challenge to raise money for the ABF the Soldiers’ Charity - formerly the Army Benevolent Fund - which aims to offer a lifetime of support to soldiers and veterans and their families when they need help.

The troops went above and beyond what they had aimed to do to and smashed their target by nearly 300 miles to cover a total of 517 miles in 24 hours to raise £741.15.

Pte Keith Ross organised the charity fundraiser for himself and fellow colleagues.

He said all the participants enjoyed the challenge despite it being difficult for them physically.

“It’s been a great event that’s tested everyone who took part physically, built up our team spirit, paid tribute to the history of airborne forces and raised money for a charity that works hard to support soldiers,” he said.

“Each of us needed to cover 18 miles in an hour to cover the distance, but everyone was really motivated and so we went that much further.”