Record-breaking rider from Radford Semele wants to make a war hero's dream come true - here's how you can help him

A record-breaking rider from Radford Semele is hoping to make a Falklands veteran's lifetime’s ambition come true - but he needs the help of the Courier and Weekly News readers too.

War hero Simon Weston is known across the country for his bravery and charity work, following his injuries after the Falklands War.

And after a chat, Norman Hyde, of Radford Semele, found out that Simon had always wanted to ride a motorcycle - and he knew he could help him with that.

Industry veteran Norman - who captured the World Sidecar Land Speed Record in 1972 on his Roadrunner III 850cc Triumph Trident powered outfit, a record that remained unbeaten for over 35 years - said: "I was at a reception and could not mistake Simon Weston across the room, so I went over and said I was honoured to meet him and began chatting.

"The subject turned to motorcycles. Simon said that he was not allowed to have one as a youth, and now, whilst he still has a great passion."

The injuries that Simon sustained on Sir Galahad in 1982 make it impossible for Simon to operate the controls on a traditional bike so Norman, who worked as a development engineer for Triumph in the 1960s and 1970s, came up with the idea of a modified trike.

He has already received backing from Triumph Motorcycles, who have donated a new T120 Bonneville to be the basis for the trike, which will be built by Trike Designs in Simon’s home town of Caerphilly.

Converting a standard road bike to a trike, specially adapted for Simon’s needs, is a lengthy and expensive operation.

Norman has already received offers of support from fellow-motorcyclists impressed by Simon’s determination and charity work, but more funds will be required to complete the job.

Total project cost is estimated at about £25,000 and Norman and Simon have set up an appeal for donations.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/simonwestontrikeSimon has endured 70 operations but has built up a small business, done a lot of charitable work and gives inspirational talks to schools and businesses.

Norman added: "After my recent operation, he phoned me a couple of times to check on my progress, saying that he knows recovery after surgery can take a long time.

"I thought that him worrying about me was just surreal.

"For me, Simon is a very modern war hero, who demonstrates great British traits of dogged determination, courage and absolute resilience combined with humility. What a man!"