A British Army soldier will tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Richard Raynor, a Lance Corporal with the 1st Regiment Royal Logistics Corps will complete the 12-hour hike carrying his military rucksack, weighing 33 pounds.
The 25-year-old from Howden-le-Wear, Crook, will be joined by his father David Pratt, and step-mother Julie Pratt, on Saturday 11 July.
Richard said: “Some people have said that they don’t think I will be able to do it but that has given me even more of an incentive to show that I can.”
The hike covers 24.5 miles across the three highest mountains in Yorkshire: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
He has already raised £295 on his online giving page after sponsorship from family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Richard said: “This challenge will not be easy and I need the motivation of people’s sponsorships to get me over these hills.
“Everyone has been really supportive and I’ve already smashed my original target. I now hope to reach £500 to raise as much as I can for this crucial service.”
He recently saw the importance of GNAAS after they flew to help his girlfriend’s father, George Prest, when he was working under a car and it fell on top of him at Howden-le-Wear in June.
Fortunately, after a thorough check by the air ambulance doctor he was found to have only suffered minor injuries.
Richard said: “All the family were so grateful for the response and had George needed an airlift to hospital they were there to assist. The charity are phenomenal and are vital in rural areas. They really do save lives and a lot of people wouldn’t be here without it.”
Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS said: “We are so grateful to Richard for his effort in taking on this gutsy challenge. I’m sure he has made those close to him very proud. The donation will keep us flying in the region.”
To donate click here.
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