A WIRRAL men’s domestic abuse charity will be cycling from France to the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

54 cyclists and 10 support team members from the Paul Lavelle Foundation will take on three countries in four days.

They will begin their journey riding from Calais in France along the route the British troops took to the bridge in Arnhem via Ypres and Antwerp before finishing in Rotterdam.

As well as laying wreaths on behalf of the lord lieutenant of Merseyside and the British Commonwealth Association the team has been asked to take part in the official last post ceremony at Ypres. The event happens each night in the town and has done since 1929.

Paul Gladwell, Co-Chairman of the Paul Lavelle Foundation, told the Globe: “This is going to be our biggest occasion yet due to the numbers we have.

"This includes many new to this - friends of Paul, who have watched us on previous challenges, have said 'they want some of that' and we are made up they've taken the plunge as it won't be easy.

“We are extremely proud that we have been asked to take part in the official last post ceremony at Ypres Menin gate, a ceremony that has happened each evening since May 1929 so this is a huge honour.

“We feel such an occasion needs to be honoured and never forgotten what those men and women did for this land and the world. 

"There are also quite a few ex-servicemen in our team who are very honoured with what is coming.

"We also think it gives us a great opportunity for us to highlight our cause in supporting male victims of domestic abuse and male wellbeing in general as far too many men are continually ignored in society and this has to change.”

Cyclists will also be raising awareness of male domestic abuse and well-being and raising funds along the way for Wirral children hospice Claire House and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports bereaved military children.

The Paul Lavelle Foundation was set up in memory of 50-year-old Paul from Rock Ferry who was killed by his girlfriend Sarah Lewis after she attacked him with a broken dinner plate in May 2017.

Lewis was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

50 of Paul's friends honoured his memory by setting up the foundation to raise awareness of domestic abuse involving men and delivers community well-being activity groups in the form of walking, running, swimming and cycling groups.

Paul said: “Lads have been riding throughout the winter months which hasn't been easy given it's rained for months on end but it's great to see the sun finally and lads are now hitting the longer miles which are needed as we have some tough miles each day including a 110-mile day riding from Antwerp to Arnhem.

“It's just great to see the new faces, they don't know what's coming and when it's over they will have made a lifetime memory they won't forget and that's in the name of our mate Paul.

“We wish we could turn back time but sadly not, so at least we have this that's come from something so tragic keeping his name alive.

“He'd be laughing his head off the thought of all us in Lycra but also very proud.”

To find out more about the challenge or to donate click here.