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Welsh True Grit

The 2017 International Welsh 2 Day Enduro was - as always - a real challenge and every rider who finished will have their own story to be proud of but Allan Roberts' achievement was something very special.

Allan Roberts joined the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in 1996 at the age of 16 and he rose to the rank of Lance Sergeant. He served overseas on operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Iraq before retiring from the Army in 2006 and joining a private Military company. He served in Afghanistan for 2 years - providing close protection to British and American diplomats and also Military and Civilian VIP’s - before moving to Iraq, where he was part of a Security Escort Team (SET) providing close protection for members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

On March 16th 2010 whilst on a mission near Baghdad (Iraq) Allan's vehicle was hit by a road side bomb resulting in both his legs being instantly amputated, He remained conscious throughout the incident and carried out first aid applying tourniquets onto both legs which saved his life. He spent over 8 weeks in an American Military hospital in Germany having many surgical operations until he was strong enough to be flown home to Wales to start his rehabilitation.

Allan Roberts says "Thanks to my family, friends, and the Forces charity the Not Forgotten Association I've not let my injuries get the best of me and pushed myself to the limits of my prosthetic legs and my body! I've taken part in some challenging events such as sailing in the Fastnet yacht race, climbing the 3 peaks in the UK, becoming a member of the first amputee skydiving team, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and many other challenges. I used to ride an enduro bike before I was injured and have wanted to ride again for many years. Last year in 2016 I was speaking to my good friend Gareth Lloyd at CF Racing if he could sort a bike out that would allow me to ride again. We come up with a plan to fit a Kliktronic gear shift system with a Rekluse clutch and rear brake. I purchased a Husqvarna FE350 from CF Racing and Gareth set about building the bike. After not riding a bike for over 6 years I now was able to ride again as I did before my injuries, this was a massive morale boost, especially being able to ride with my friends Simon Harrison and Gareth Lloyd. We have entered the Welsh 2 Day to Challenge myself and also try and raise money for a brilliant charity who have done so much to help me over the years and also many other injured service personnel "The Not Forgotten Association.".

Allan Roberts faced the challenge of the Welsh 2 Day and finished clean on time with no penalties. An incredible achievement. Well done Allan.

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