Yompathon passes through Harrogate

13 October 2022

Six men are marching 3,863 miles across Britain, whilst carrying 25kg (the equivalent of an adult bulldog) to raise funds for SSAFA and other charities. 

The team started their adventure on the 1 October and have already marched over 1500miles. On the 20 October they will Yomp through Yorkshire, stopping at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, RAF Menwith Hill and then on to Vimy Barracks in Catterick. After this they head further north into Scotland.

Brainchild of AB James Mazzoni-Dalton, the ‘Yompathon’ team come from all over the UK, representing the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force as well as the Police, Ambulance and Fire services.

The Yompers’ march will take just over six weeks and cover England, Wales and Scotland. The team will move continually, in relay fashion, covering an average of 97miles per 24 hour period, stopping only at the guardrooms of military and naval bases and emergency service providers along the way.

Carrying a heavy backpack whilst marching ever onwards is emblematic of the fight with mental health issues that many people have. The team are all intent on making it to the finish line in good health and cheer and are asking for public support along the way.

Carl Coleman, army veteran says: “I have deployed all over the world and had some hard times since leaving the army but I’m sticking at this yomp because I’m doing it for my mate, Chopper, who was shot in Iraq and has suffered severe PTSD since then. It means the world to me to raise some money so that people like Chopper can carry on getting the help they need.”

The Yompathon is a tough event for anyone, but for Carl it is even more challenging. In 2017 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and went through chemotherapy and stem cell treatment. He is now clear of cancer but the illness left him with difficulties in memory and co-ordination. He currently lives in supported housing and is studying to be a barber but right now, he Yomps!

Be a superfan and Yomp with the team to help them raise money for charity (there is a sponsorship form on their website). Or if you just want to cheer them on and catch a selfie with the lads, you can also see their location live on their website and track them down to their next pit stop.