Flushed with success from the Torch Challenge I in June 2008, we were collectively pondering what we would do for charity in 2009. The idea for this event (like any other good idea) was fashioned over a friendly post work beer! However, in the cold light of day we realised the extent of the task we had agreed to. The new challenge was to cover the 4000 km between Paderborn and Basra in 24 hours, using two teams, one in Iraq and the other in Germany.
Using a combination of CV equipment the two teams would cover 2000 km each. The training programme started in November 2008 with a progressive build up towards achieving 150 km a week by mid January 2009. This was no mean feat, with the Deployed Team struggling to fit training in between Basic Skills, CLM 08, ECDL and StoryBook Soldier! By mid February the training programme was taking its toll, but both teams raring to go on both start lines for 0800 hours on the 4th March 2009 - it was time to see if all the training would pay off!! The day was a great success, with high spirits all round, each team completed the distance required in the allotted time and everyone fully enjoyed the experience.
Donations raised exceeded all expectations due in part to the respect individuals have for the service provided by BLESMA, with the current total at 5720 € (and still rising)! Nonetheless, one very important question remains – what are we going to do next time?
41 and 44 Army Education Centres (Home and Away Teams) would like to thank our ‘guest team members’ for putting in the distance, friends, colleagues and families for supporting us and donating money, St John Ambulance for providing medical cover and NAAFI for supplying the much needed hot meal!
Our biggest thanks go to the service personnel of 20 Armoured Brigade, both in Paderborn and Iraq for their support and generosity.
It is not too late to donate, our Just Giving website will remain open until the 9th June and you can find it at:
http://www.justgiving.co.uk/stevehillman
These posters show the teams that took part and the total amount raised so far: |
