The father of an Oxfordshire marine killed in Afghanistan has completed a cycle ride raising money for injured service men through France.

John Gostick joined 239 others on the 350-mile bike ride across France in a bid to raise £1m for the forces’ charity Help The Heroes.

The team finished their trek yesterday, arriving in Paris and holding a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.

Mr Gostick, 58, lost his son Dale last year, when the armoured vehicle the 22-year-old was driving struck a land mine in southern Afghanistan on May 25 last year.

Wiping his eyes, he said it was Dale who had inspired him to push on and keep going.

A former Royal Marine himself, Mr Gostick, from Great Haseley, said: “It means everything.

“The reason I did it was to honour my son and for the lads who were injured in the same vehicle.

“I think I have done that. I think Dale would be proud.”

The cyclists included six injured servicemen and the ceremony was held under the Gallic landmark by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A minute’s silence was held, observed by the riders, friends and family.

Three wreaths were laid under the Arc by cyclists, Major General Andrew Gregory, the former Lieutenant General Sir Philip Trousdell KBE, CB and defence attache, Air Commodore Michael Brzezicki.

Gatherers bowed their heads as buglers played the Last Post.

A group, joined by D-Day veteran John Painter, sang the British national anthem and French anthem the Marseillaise before making their way to the Eiffel Tower to complete the Band of Brothers Bike Ride.

The co-founder of Help For Heroes Bryn Parry, 52, expressed his pride and gratitude for the efforts made by cyclists.

He said: “I’m stunned really, and humbled that so many people have taken up the idea of Help For Heroes and made it what it is.

“It has literally become a national cause.

“The people of Great Britain suddenly want to show affection and support for the Armed Forces.”