A TEAM of military personnel are completing the equivalent of three challenges, totalling more than 300 miles, at Sainsbury's in Darlington.

Beginning today, Captain Andy Alcock, Lieutenant Paige Welsh, Warrant Officer Class Two Graham Clements, Sergeant Lisa Little and Sergeant Jo Lockwood of the REME Close Support Battalion at Catterick Garrison, are completing two days of challenges in aid of Samaritans and the soldier's charity, ABF.

At around 11am, the team successfully rowed the 21 mile equivalent of the English Channel, before starting the 263 mile equivalent of Land's End to London on a bicycle machine.

Captain Alcock said: "It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness.

"Some people look at personnel as being weak not knowing that, by the time people get to asking for help, they may have had five, six, seven things go wrong for them.

"But we're looking at just how incredibly strong they have been to get to that point where they are asking for help – sometimes needing that helping hand."

By Friday night, the team hopes to have completed the Land's End to London stretch, while tomorrow they will attempt a return trip, and complete the equivalent of the 26 mile London Marathon by treadmill.

The Northern Echo:

Lillian Howell of Darlington Samaritans said: “Andy wanted to do something for us, and when he suggested it we loved it.

"We’re going to split all the proceeds evenly.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone that has donated, and to Sainsbury’s for hosting the event as part of their own 150th anniversary celebrations.”

As part of the fundraiser, Sainsbury's in Darlington donated an extra £150 to the causes.

Marie Steward of the supermarket added: "They're amazing, all of them."

Tomorrow, the team will take part in bag packing sessions when not on challenge-duties.