Race Across America RAAM, racing 3081 miles, on a bike, with an awesome team of injured service personnel, from coast to coast of America, because I was blown to pieces in Afghanistan, but i still CAN!

Hi i am Joe Townsend, former Royal Marines Commando and Paralympian for Great Britain. I am training to compete in the RAAM with a team of injured service personnel in support of Help for Heroes.

Why? Because life is all about pushing the boundaries to see what you can achieve. I would also like to raise awareness of the strength and determination of injured service personnel and try and raise some money for H4H, who have been incredible in supporting me through my recovery all the way to racing in the Paralympic Games in Rio!

This wont be the first time I/we have done this, as i raced the RAAM with Team Battle Back in 2012. It was tough, experiencing extreme weather conditions, fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, but it was with a bunch of guys who when the chips were down would crack a joke and get the job done!

This is why I want to do this again! There is something special about our armed forces, tear them apart and they will keep smiling. I learnt so much about myself on our first RAAM in 2012. I wan't to go back to that start line in San Diego 5 years later and experience all the hardship and memories again. As well as strive to push my limits as I better myself as a person and sportsman. As well as SMASH our record by finishing sub 7 days!

H4H is a fantastic charity and has literally helped me turn my life around after injury. This is an opportunity for me to give a little back so please make a donation to this fantastic cause if you can.

Thank you.