Young army hopefuls gear up for challenge of a lifetime

4th May 2011

A group of five men and women from Wales University Officers Training Corps (WUOTC) are preparing for a 24 hour endurance cycling challenge, in a bid to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund: The Soldiers Charity, Mercy Ships and Tenovus.

The challenge will begin on 6th May at Maindy Barracks and will continue throughout the night, finishing on 7th May on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre. Not only will the event be an opportunity for the group to fundraise towards its nominated charities but it will also serve as a pre-expedition fundraiser, as the students prepare to take on The UK Thousands Challenge, climbing 28 peaks across three countries in just five days in July.

Jack Brown and Tom Foster, both 22 from Cardiff University, together with Matt Barnes, 22 from Bangor University, Jack Gilbert, 21 from Glamorgan University and Abbi Hollingworth, 23 from Aberystwyth University, organised the challenge in a bid to raise a significant amount of money for charities which are particularly important to each of them.

Supported by St David’s, Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre and Capital FM, the group will complete the cycle challenge, while onlookers and passers by will be invited to donate and try their hand at climbing for free on a Boulders mobile climbing wall, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

Rob Lawrence, managing director of Boulders, said: “It’s great to be involved with these fit, young and enthusiastic students who are doing their best to support our troops.  It’s going to be really exciting cheering them over the finish line and with free climbing on Boulders’ mobile climbing wall and free giveaways from Capital FM, the day promises to be an awesome event.  What better excuse do you need to get down to St David’s?”

Meanwhile Capital FM will be bringing a team of Street Stars to the event to giveaway 200 ice creams, courtesy of Baskin Robbins, along with music to entertain St David’s shoppers.

The five young men and women taking part in the challenge are all part of the WUOTC, which helps to develop the potential of selected university students and raises awareness of the value of, and career opportunities, within the Army. Each of the full time students are balancing their studies with training and preparations for the challenge.

Steven Madeley, centre director at St David’s said: “We are delighted to be involved in helping this inspirational group of young people raise money for three such worthwhile causes and we encourage St David’s shoppers to join us in supporting them as they complete this impressive challenge.”

To follow the team’s progress, visit www.ukthousandschallenge.moonfruit.com

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