Fundraising expedition from Colerne (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Fundraising expedition from Colerne
11:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News
Capt Lois Exell, right, leading a group of Signals on an expedition to Sierra Leonne. In her team are, from left, Lewis Mcllennan, Kevin Young, Alex Rees and Ryan Ashby
Colerne-based soldier Captain Lois Exell is gearing up for her toughest expedition yet, as she prepares to lead a team on a three-week expedition to Sierra Leone.
Capt Exell, 29, serves with 241 Signal Squadron at Azimghur Barracks, Colerne, and she and her team will be raising money for charity as well as building their skills.
They will trek through the woodland savannah and jungle of the Outamba-Kilimi National Park, each with 46kg of kit, where they will learn bushcraft survival skills. In the Tambakha region, they will visit some of the poorest villages, before spending five days climbing Mount Bintumani, the highest mountain in the country.
Capt Exell said: “I have been to Sierra Leone twice before, which is where the inspiration came from.”
The team is made up of both serving and reservist soldiers, including one nurse from the Territorial Army.
As well as military training, the team hope to raise £8,000 for the charity Street Child of Sierra Leone.
To donate, visit uk.virgin moneygiving.com/LoisExell
