Mountain challenge to salute troops (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mountain challenge to salute troops

10:00am Saturday 14th April 2012 in Devizes

Students who will climb Britain’s three highest peaks in tribute to troops who gave their lives in Afghanistan will visit Devizes on Sunday.

Bill Huntley, of the Old Curiosity Market in the Shambles, has given the University of Gloucestershire students free use of a stall to raise sponsorship for their Three Peaks Challenge bid.

A total of 17 students will climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike within 24 hours.

Each student will carry 1lb in weight for every serviceman and woman who has died in the conflict. All proceeds will go to the Wiltshire-based charity, Help for Heroes.

Jake Fautley, 21, one of the group who lives in Westbury, said: “The team will be looking to raise at least £10,000 to support Help for Heroes.

“The girls on the team will be carrying 1lb for every female who has lost her life, and the guys 1lb for every male, highlighting the fact that both sexes serve in the forces and both have fallen.”

Each student will also carry a Union Flag with the name of the soldier their weight represents.

Anyone who would like to sponsor them can do so by visiting www.bmycharity.com/ h4hthreepeaks