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Afghanistan based soldiers go the distance this Christmas for SSAFA Forces Help

A group of soldiers based on Camp Bastion at Brydon Lines in Afghanistan will go the extra mile this Christmas to raise money for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help and Combat Stress by rowing and cycling 5,575km on stationary machines, covering the distance from Afghanistan to Colchester . The event marks the 125th anniversary of SSAFA, and money raised will go to the charity which cares for the Armed Forces and their families. 

Setting off on 11th December, the team aims to arrive at their virtual destination in time for Christmas lunch on 25th December.  The eight participants will take two weeks to achieve their goal, working 24 hours a day with an average pace of 16km per hour. The sea leg of the journey will be crossed on rowing machines and the land section on stationary bikes with each team member covering three hours per day.

Staff Sergeant Lee Roberts is leading the special fundraising event to remind everyone about the men and women serving in the Armed Forces who won’t be able spend Christmas with their loved ones. “Christmas is a time to spend with family so we wanted to mark the festive season in a spirit of camaraderie,” he said. “SSAFA helped my family when I was a child while my father was serving in the Army and this is a good opportunity to give something back to them”

The team taking part in the cross continental journey are:

• Staff Sergeant Lee John Roberts, 35 years old, originally from Derby
• Sgt Aidan Tough, 35 years old, from King’s Lynn, Norfolk
• Corporal Eric Tye, 36 years old, from Great Yarmouth
• Lance Corporal Omar Sommerville, 31 years old, Jamaica
• Lance Corporal Katherine Currums, 21 years, from Berlin
• Private Ryan Dunphy, 22 years old, from Wakefield , West Yorkshire
• Private Ryan Coleman, 22 years old, from Newcastle
• Private Carl French, 20 years old, from Oakhampton, Devon

SSAFA125 Events Manager Miranda Thomas said: “We are thrilled that the team have selected us and Combat Stress as their charities. They are undertaking an amazing challenge which will not only raise much-needed funds, but will also raise awareness of SSAFA’s vital work supporting servicemen and women and their families. We hope that the team’s incredible efforts will inspire people to support SSAFA at a time when our troops need our help more than ever.”

To donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/lee-Roberts1357, and to find out more about SSAFA Forces Help please visit www.ssafa125.org.uk