TWO former Wirral soldiers are preparing to saddle up for a motorcycle trek through 26 European Cities to raise cash for war veterans.

Pete Bray and Harry Glover, from 22 SAS and 4/73 Special OP Battery, will start their 15,000 mile trip on August 1, outside Buckingham Palace.

The Birkenhead-businessmen will ride their motorbikes in a journey code-named Triumph over Tragedy, they will raise both funds and awareness for BLESMA, Soldiers off the Streets and the Alder Hey Children's Charity.

Harry Glover said: "The work the charities carry out is important to us as we were the lucky ones who survived unscathed.

"These charities make a huge difference to the lives of servicemen and women who gave so much.

"Alder Hey is also very close to our hearts and having personal experience of the work they do, I have nothing but admiration for the medical team."

Pete Bray created a world record in 2001 for successfully kayaking solo from Newfoundland to Ireland.

He said: "BLESMA and Soldiers of the Streets are working tirelessly to support those who are often forgotten by the system. These charities are life-changing for ex-servicemen and women who have not been as fortunate as ourselves".

With just a few weeks to go the dynamic duo is looking for sponsors to help provide the food, fuel and equipment for the 15,000 mile journey that will cost £50,000 to undertake.

Thousands of ex-service personnel find their lives shattered by their experiences of war and are left with little hope of ever returning to the society they fought to protect.

Many soldiers give more than just their time and their courage whilst serving their country. BLESMA has been campaigning since 1932 to improve the lives of men and women who have lost limbs in foreign fields, helping with everything from advancing the standards of artificial limbs to opening residential homes and securing the pensions our servicemen deserve.

Soldiers off the Street works tirelessly to provide clothing, food, rehabilitation and advice on a range of issues from alcoholism to housing and employment in order to help these soldiers become part of their communities again.

The charities rely on donations from the public to carry on their amazing work in helping our most vulnerable veterans.

Harry and Pete are directors of Birkenhead-based firm Primarius Ltd, which provides security services and training to businesses and personnel around the world.