FRIENDS of a respected Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran who died in a motorbike accident in Dorset have completed a charity cycle ride in his honour.

Royal artillery warrant officer Warren ‘Jacko’ Jackson, who was described as “one of life’s good guys”, died in a collision on the A31 earlier this year.

The father-of-two, who was stationed at Hamworthy’s Royal Marines base, was due to retire from his accomplished military career when the tragedy unfolded.

He was a keen supporter of the Help for Heroes charity and a committee member at Wareham’s Sandmartins Activity Club, where his children were members.

‘Jacko’ had been instrumental in raising funds for children’s equipment at the after school and holiday clubs.

The club decided it was only fitting that they organise a ride in his honour, so yesterday, 45 cyclists completed a 20-mile route around Purbeck.

One of the organisers, Keith Cranfield, said: “He was a quiet unassuming guy who had enjoyed a very good military career. His death was untimely and tragic.

“Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was always prepared to help. He did so much for the local community, he was just one of those genuinely good guys.

“Everyone enjoyed the ride and we will easily raise more than £2,000 for charity in ‘Jacko’s’ honour.”

The money will be split between Help for Heroes and the activity club, which meets at Sandford St Martin’s First School, Sandford.

Club manager Val Bowbanks said: “In honour of his (‘Jacko’s’) efforts the committee decided to arrange the sponsored cycle ride in his name to recognise his hard work and to leave a lasting legacy of this great man’s contribution to raising funds for a cause that was dear to his heart.”