Look Sharpe and take up this tough challenge

Issued: 5 June 2018

An extreme challenge has been thrown out to action men and women by an armed forces and ‘blue light’ veterans’ charity.

Elite teams are needed to race 30 miles or 30 km carrying a 30lb pack over wild Exmoor terrain to raise money for FirstLight Trust – a unique charity which helps veterans from the emergency services as well as the armed forces who are struggling with civilian life.

The bid is backed by the nation’s favourite screen soldier Richard Sharpe made famous by actor Sean Bean. Author Bernard Cornwell, who created the character, is patron of the charity which runs support hubs from Sharpe’s cafés in Scarborough, Redcar, Lancaster and Gosport, with plans to open more.

Soldier 30:30 is organising the event which starts at Exford, Somerset, on 13 October. FirstLight Trust trustee Dorinda Wolfe Murray said “We are delighted to have been chosen as Soldier 30:30’s main beneficiary charity. It’s such an amazing event, whether you’re from the armed forces, an office worker who takes to the hills at the weekends or a triathlete looking for a different challenge.”

Soldier 30:30 says entrants must be physically fit and willing to test themselves against both terrain and weather through manned checkpoints. “If you enter you must be confident of your ability to complete the race. We aim to provide an enjoyable and rewarding day out, however, we have limited spaces and want to minimise mid-race withdrawals. In a nutshell you will need to take the event seriously.”