Soldiers take on 100-mile march challenge in aid of Armed Forces charities

12 October 2021

CSGT James Doyle and fellow CSGT Michael Donnell plan to complete a 100-mile challenge whilst each carrying a 25kg weighted Bergen in aid of two charities: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Combat Stress.

In February 2021, James completed a series of 21 marches, each totalling 15.5 miles, to raise money for SSAFA and Barnardos. The event was due to take place on the infamous Pen Y Fan, dubbed ‘The Fan Dance’, but had to be completed in an alternative location due to Covid-19.

James’ next challenge has some weight behind it as the duo will carry a 25kg Bergen over a 100-mile course, made up of 100 one-mile laps within Dering lines Army camp in the Brecon Beacons.

They begin their challenge on Tuesday 12 October at 15.00pm and finish on Wednesday 13 October at 15.00pm, within 24 hours of the start time.

James said: “I am doing this event for my mental health. The happiness I will feel sharing the completion of this event with my friends and family will keep me smiling for a year. And hopefully we can raise some money for these incredibly worthwhile charities as well".

Michael added: “These charities are not just close to our hearts as we conduct this charity event, but to the whole nation, serving, ex-serving. We as a team want to make a difference even if it’s by a small percentage.”