457km fundraiser at MoD Lyneham

07 August 2023

During 20 years of deployment in Afghanistan (Op HERRICK), there were 457 deaths of UK Armed Forces personnel, with the number of fatalities peaking in 2009-2010.

To remember each of these men and women, Sergeant Brad Thompson of 5 Battalion REME, 2 Field Company, V & G (Vehicle & General) platoon – based at MoD Lyneham, Wiltshire – has organised a fundraiser with 13 fellow platoon members to “travel” one kilometre for each life lost raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The 14 will use two static bikes and two rowing machines to cover the 457km, each person completing around 32.65km, in early August. Their target is £1,500.

Organiser Sgt Thompson said: “We’re doing this to raise money for SSAFA in memory of the lives lost in Afghanistan; some of the lives were lost in the mental battle after the conflict was over and many still carry the physical life changing injuries they sustained whilst on operations.”

Sgt Thompson added that SSAFA was chosen to thank it – the UK’s oldest tri-service charity – for its continued support to all members of UK Armed Forces, serving and retired, and for their families.