Peter will ride in memory of soldier

Mr Gunton, 58, is riding his Kawasaki 1400GTR from John O’ Groats to Land’s End with the aim of raising £5,000 for the Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust.

His son Oliver was a close friend of Pte Lewis and the paratrooper would often visit their home in Preston Bagot.

Mr Gunton said: “When you read in the paper about soldiers who have died you say ‘what a shame’ and move on but it’s different when it is someone who is close to your heart.

“He is buried not far away from where we live and it brings a lump to your throat.

“He was a very popular and a nice lad who was always up for a challenge.”

Long-distance motorcycle rides are nothing new to Mr Gunton.

He has covered the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain in a day and eight European countries in a week on previous journeys.

His fundraising ride, which will take place on Saturday June 25, will last about 12 hours.

Mr Gunton said: “It’s not the miles that worry me at all, I usually get away on long rides once or twice a year,

“I’m a bit concerned about mechanical problems but I should be OK.

“It’ll be hard work and it won’t be easy going but I don’t have a problem doing it at all.”

Pte Lewis, of 3rd and 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed while on duty in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday February 9.

His funeral took place at St Mary’s church in Warwick last month.