A Crystal Palace fan has been sponsored by the club to participate in a charity motorbike ride to Dubai.

Geoff Warren is a life long Eagles fan and has secured the backing of the club, Triumph Motorcycles and The Sun, as he takes on the challenge Destination Dubai 2012 (DD2012) to raise money for Help For Heroes.

The ex-soldier will be joined by two former colleagues on the 6,000-mile trip which will start in the UK and finish at the foot of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

The 44-year-old will be joined by fellow bikers Chris Brice, 40 of Shrewton, Wiltshire, and Colin Harker, 47, from Liss, Hampshire, for the trip which will start on September 8.

Mr Warren who is from Croydon but now lives in Midhurst, said: "Supporting the Eagles is a life-long passion for me.

"Like all the club's fans I have been with them through thick and thin, which is why their support for DD2012 means so much.

"Destination Dubai 2012 started out as an idea over a pint about 18 months ago. We are all ex-soldiers who between us have done operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Now we just want to do something to help fellow servicemen who, unlike us, did not return home uninjured.

"We have major sponsors on board, a huge amount of high-profile support and a lot of work ahead to raise as much money as possible for our wounded servicemen and their families.

"I hope Crystal Palace fans will follow us on our social media sites and help fundraise."

Steve Parish, Chairman of Crystal Palace Football Club, said: "I would like to wish the DD2012 team the very best of luck with their exciting challenge as they embark on a magnificent fundraising initiative for Help For Heroes."

To donate to the DD2012 team visit Bmycharity.com/destinationdubai2012 or text DD2012 to 70900.

You will be charged £5 which goes to Help for Heroes, plus your standard network fee.