Darren Blake, Joe Loosemore and Neil Fairclough have been training at Val de la Mare Reservoir, where they completed a route carrying 35lb backpacks in preparation for the challenge.
The event, which was due to begin at 8am, sees participants set off on a ten-mile forced march – known as a tactical advance to battle. This type of speed marching prepares soldiers for carrying heavy kit and equipment over long distances and within a certain time frame. Today’s participants have to complete the ten-mile route and be back at the parish hall in St Aubin within three hours.
Mr Blake, a senior prison officer who previously served in the Household Cavalry, Mr Loosemore, an ex-Royal Irish Ranger, and Mr Fairclough, a serving prison officer, will be joined by Michel Ferger, a former member of the Royal Army Logistic Corps and a number of others.
‘The event emulates what the Parachute Regiment do in the UK with their PARAS’ 10 fundraising run. We normally go away to take part in it in Colchester or Catterick, but because of Covid we’re doing a virtual version of it here. The course isn’t the same as in the UK, but there’s a three-hour time limit on the event and we still have to do it in under that time,’ said Mr Blake, who was awarded a Prison Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal two weeks’ ago.
‘Some of the men are in their 40s and early 50s, so it’s 20 years or so since they picked up a pack like this. It’s not like weight training – for this you have to have that ability to carry the weight over distance and in a certain time period. It’s more of a mental challenge too, and that can be tough –– it’s about the mindset, whether to carry on or give up,’ he said.
As well as raising money the event also aims to raise awareness of mental-health problems and the help that’s available to all the services through the Rock2Recovery charity and the Royal British Legion.
‘In the UK they’re dealing with a lot of people at the moment, because of Covid and during lockdown. The money we raise for Rock2Recovery will be used for people in the Island. The funds will be distributed between Jersey and the UK, but it will be given to Islanders who need it,’ said Mr Blake.
To donate online visit rock2recovery.co.uk/
Rock2Recovery
The charity’s aim is to save and change the lives of members of the armed forces, veterans and their families who are affected by stress.
The service is free of charge, irrespective of income, and offers coaching to individuals to help find their ‘rock’ in their lives that will motivate, inspire and encourage them to refocus positively.
Clinics are run in Jersey and to find out more email support@rock2recovery.co.uk
