Mansfield ex-military man to take on 150 mile trek for veterans’ charity
A Mansfield man who served for 24 years in the British Army is walking from Mansfield to Skegness and back again to raise cash for a military charity.
Chris Lee, 56, from New Haven Avenue in Mansfield Woodhouse is taking on the gruelling 150 mile weighted walk trek in a bid to raise as much money as possible for Help for Heroes.
Chris who will be joined by friend Jim Newton on the walk will set off from The Star pub on July 1 and expects the journey to take around 10 days.
He said: “"I'm ex forces and served for 24 years in the army so I’m doing this for all my fellow brothers and sisters.
"My time in the military was full of enjoyment but there were also daunting times and difficult times when friends passed away or when we were in dangerous situations. I’ve got a few injuries from my time in the military but they don’t stop me getting out and about so this is for those who aren’t as a lucky.
"My friends and family have been really supportive and I think everyone in the pub thinks I’m a bit mad.”
This is the second time Chris has taken on the 150 mile challenge – last year he did it in stages around Mansfield but wanted to challenge himself further this time around.
Chris, who has already raised £590, added: “Every day, thousands of veterans are facing their toughest battles yet. painful injuries, mental trauma, disability, poverty, isolation and more. It's an injustice that veterans don't get a fair deal from the country they risked everything for.
“Whether you donate a lot or a little, anything helps. With your support we can help rebuild lives by making every mile matter. Thank you for your support.”
Thousands are set to take part throughout July in the Help for Heroes charity initiative with participants challenging themselves to walk 150 miles while carrying weight, symbolising the physical and emotional burdens many veterans carry every day.
Since 2007, Help for Heroes has supported over 25,000 people to live well after service.
To donate visit https://help-for-heroes.sync.giving/fr/cr-70pxxv8zzl9vm or ask to donate via a sponsorship form located behind the bar in Mansfield Woodhouse pubs.