Epic challenge in remembrance of soldiers killed in Afghanistan Warrior explosion.
In June, veteran and author Andy Reid, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Glen Hughes will be cycling 400 miles and kayaking 125 miles over 14 days in memory of six soldiers who were killed in an explosion of their Warrior armoured vehicle in Afghanistan in 2012. The Warrior Challenge will also be raising money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity – the National Charity of the British Army – and Style for Soldiers.
The Warrior Challenge will start in Lytham St Annes on 16th June and will finish at Westminster Bridge in London 14 days later. The route will take Andy and Glen past the graves of the six soldiers killed when the Warrior armoured vehicle they were travelling in was hit by an IED in Afghanistan.
The soldiers – Sergeant Nigel Coupe, Corporal Jake Hartley, and Privates Christopher Kershaw, Daniel Wilford, Anton Frampton, and Daniel Wade – served with The Yorkshire Regiment, the same Regiment as Andy, and The Duke of Lancaster Regiment.
After cycling for 400 miles the two will then take to the river to kayak a further 125 miles in to London. They will also be joined by Andy North, a cycling world record holder from Ultra6, who will be running a marathon alongside them every day.
On the Challenge, Andy said: “Glen and I really wanted to pay a fitting tribute to the lads who lost their lives, so hopefully this challenge will do just that. We will visit each of their graves along the way before stopping off at the Headquarters of 3 Yorks in Warminster. It’s going to be tough but we’re really up for it.”
WO2 Hughes added: “We’re both veterans of Afghanistan and we both came back with life-changing injuries, but that won’t be getting in the way of this Challenge. It’s a great chance to pay tribute to the guys who died whilst also raising money for two charities close to us. I’m sure all the blisters and aching muscles will be worth it!”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “This is a great challenge by Andy and Glen, and the Charity is proud to have them supporting us. It is a hugely fitting way for them to pay their respects to the memory of those soldiers that lost their lives while serving our country, and the money they raise will directly help soldiers and veterans, and their families, who need assistance at any time in their life. It will make a real difference.”