12
Mar
Dishforth soldiers to take on gruelling 10-week endurance challenge for charity
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Two soldiers serving at Dishforth Airfield will take on a gruelling 10-week endurance challenge in support of an armed forces charity.
Lance Corporal Kyle Flaherty, 26, from Keighley, and Private Harry Wilcock, 19, from Leeds, will tackle two triathlons, a marathon and a 36-mile ultramarathon in support of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
Across the four events, the pair will cover more than 90 miles of endurance sport, including swimming, cycling and running.
Together, they will compete in:
- Ribby Hall Triathlon in Preston – 22nd March
- Harrogate Triathlon – 26th April
- Leeds Marathon – 10th May
- Tsunami Ocean Trails 36-mile ultramarathon – 6th June
Lance Cpl. Flaherty and Pvt. Wilcock both serve with 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at the airfield near Ripon.
Flaherty, who has served in the Army for five years, is a Lance Corporal and military driver.
Alongside his operational role, he is a rock-climbing coach. Ribby Hall will be his first triathlon.
Wilcock began his military journey at just 16, completing basic training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate before qualifying as a driver and joining 6 Regiment RLC.
Now 19, he is determined to build a full military career.
Both soldiers have strong family links to military service.
Flaherty’s grandfather served in the Royal Tank Regiment during the Second World War, while Wilcock’s grandfather completed national service in the 1950s.
Flaherty said:
This challenge is the biggest and most demanding test I have set myself so far. It’s something that both scares and inspires me in equal measure. SSAFA provides immediate, compassionate support to serving personnel and veterans who may be in crisis, and that’s something I’m proud to support.
Wilcock said:
SSAFA does incredible work supporting both serving personnel and veterans. The care, dedication and practical help they provide makes a real difference to the armed forces community. I’m proud to take on this challenge for a charity so closely connected to service life.
SSAFA supports serving personnel, veterans and their families across the region, providing practical, emotional and financial assistance when it is needed most.
The pair hope to raise at least £1,500 through their JustGiving page, with every donation going directly to SSAFA.
To donate, visit their page here.
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