Norfolk veteran taking on National Three Peaks Challenge for SSAFA

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13 May 2024

On Tuesday 14 May Lance Fielding will be climbing the tallest points of England, Wales, and Scotland, in under 24 hours.  He’ll be raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Lance was raised in the Middle East but has resided in Norwich for many years. Every year Lance and his friend Deane attempt a different physical challenge for charity. They have chosen the National Three Peaks Challenge, a daunting task which involves scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, all in under 24 hours.

Lance said of their challenge and training: “Our training in the Lake District has been essential in preparing for our challenge, which is completely self-funded, covering everything from travel expenses to accommodations, which significantly adds to the undertaking. We even have radios for when phone signal is nearly non-existent, so we can communicate with our driver Stuart.”

Lance joined the Army Reserves in 2005 and served three operational tours in Afghanistan, as well as a posting at the UN and helping with the response to COVID through Operation Rescript. The military has been in his blood for generations, including his grandfather James, who was hailed a war hero in World War II.

“During fighting in Italy, he ran up under fire to bring back two wounded American soldiers and was himself wounded in the process. As a result, a high-ranking officer was awarded the Military Cross. He later received a message to visit an American base and was given an honorary Purple Heart (medal given to American soldiers wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military) in thanks.”