THREE Ripon-based soldiers are among 125-volunteers tackling a gruelling barefoot relay walk almost the length of the UK.
The 700-mile walk, from Land’s End to Edinburgh, is inspired by Major Chris Brannigan - aka the Barefoot Solider - who completed the route solo this summer in honour of his poorly daughter Hasti.
Three members of the Ripon-based 21 Engineer Regiment, Sergeant Max McGoon, Corporal Lee Connolly and Private Matty Haigh are completing three five-mile stages of the relay this weekend.
They are all members of the Adjutants General Corps, sharing a cap badge with Maj Brannigan.
Pvt Haigh was inspired to take part after working with Maj Brannigan and hopes to raise plenty for the Hope for Hasti charity which funds research into Hasti's rare illness, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.
Maj Brannigan stopped in Darlington during his challenge in the summer
Pvt Haigh, who served with Maj Brannigan in Catterick, Cyprus and Colchester, said: "I feel so passionately involved in the charity's journey, having been there with Chris from the start."
He added: "My fiancée Chloe and I are expecting a little girl at the end of this year.
"Maj Brannigan has shown me that no matter what life throws at you, you always fight back and most importantly that you can do anything when it is for your children."
Hasti’s favourite soft toy, Obama the llama, is the 'baton' being passed between all those taking part in the relay.
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