An Iraq war veteran is raising thousands of pounds for a charity close to his heart by undertaking a virtual bike ride spanning the distance between London and Brighton.

Stephen Vaughn, who lives at the Royal Star and Garter (RSG) veterans home in Surbiton, has already raised over £4,500 for the Help for Heroes charity, smashing his of £1.5K by over 300 per cent.

He's also garnered support from celebrities including Alan Sugar, Jeremy Vine and the Loose Women team.

The war veteran completed the 60-mile journey utilizing an exercise bike at the home with the help of RSG staff, and hopes to keep the donations continue to roll after crossing the virtual finish line earlier this month. 

Now 33, Stephen was just 19-years-old and on his first tour in Iraq, serving with the 4th Battalion The Rifles, when he suffered brain injuries in a mortar explosion near Basra.

The attack left him severely disabled.

"Help for Heroes is a charity which is very important to me," he explained.

"My injuries from a mortar attack were so severe that my life was in imminent danger. I have spent much time working on my recovery and rehabilitation since then, and will require a high level of support for the rest of my life.

"Help for Heroes have helped me a great deal and I wanted to do something for them, knowing it would help other veterans, especially at this tough time.

"Whilst this bike ride is usually a one day event, for me it is a six-week challenge on my adapted static bike using my arms and legs alternately," he added.

To donate to Stephen's effort, click here.