June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the battle for Normandy. It is probably one of the last major anniversaries of the event that will be held where we can pay tribute to the veterans who are still with us. It is an important occasion.

My own grandfather was one of the thousands of young men - conscripts - who played their part in the liberation of Normandy, and ultimately, Europe. He landed on Juno beach on the morning of the 6th June 1944, driving an amphibious jeep (a Ford GPA, in case you were curious).

I have always been fascinated and enthralled by this - the fact that a young 21 year old farmers' son from Cardiganshire was sent away to war in 1939. The fact that the adventure turned into a nightmare as his company was decimated down to a dozen men with ammunition, petrol, and rations running out, as the enemy pursued them to the beaches at Dunkirk.

This experience changed him forever. I'm told that the happy-go-lucky lad who left returned as a quiet, reserved man.

4 years later, he was back in France on D-Day. Older, wiser, and with full knowledge of the realities of what war was.

At the end of the war, he and his fellow servicemen were given a suit, a hat, a shirt, a tie, a pair of shoes, some pay, and a certificate of thanks. Some medals followed soon after.

Whilst he returned physically fit, there were psychological scars. Today, we know them as PTSD. Like most ex-servicemen, he was expected to just 'cope' with it. He hid it well for most of his life. He received no support for it other than talking to his wartime buddies every once in a while in the years that followed.

This is why I, in June 2024 will be cycling with Help For Heroes on a fund-raising cycle ride from St Mere Eglise, taking in all 5 of the D-Day landing beaches at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, and onwards to Paris. I'm told it's up to 70miles per day.

This will be my tribute to my Grandfather L/Cpl T.E.Mason and the rest of his mates in 89coy, HQ Platoon, RASC. By raising money for Help For Heroes I hope to forge my own link between the past and the present.

Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds.

Every penny raised helps them recover and get on with their lives. So far Help For Heroes has supported more than 25,000 people. There is still more to be done.

So please, If you have any connection with our heroes from 80 years ago or anytime since, or those currently serving today, please consider donating something to the cause. Even if it's the price of a pint. Every penny helps. It would mean a lot to me, but a lot more to them.

Diolch o galon i chi am ystyried fy nghefnogi. Mi fydd yn brofiad enfawr, emosiynol, ac ingol i mi.

Thanks for considering supporting me. It will be a massive, emotional and poignant experience for me.

Rhydian