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10
Nov 2020
Ripon soldiers take on 700-mile barefoot charity fundraiser
Three soldiers in Ripon will take part in a 700-mile barefoot relay this weekend to raise money for a girl with a rare genetic disease.
The soldiers have been inspired by Major Chris Brannigan, who walked the distance barefoot solo in August this year.
He did so to raise funds for Hope for Hasti, a charity set up to develop a treatment for his daughter Hasti, who has Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
Major Brannigan raised £375,000 and since then others have boosted the total to £670,000 of the £1m target,
This weekend's 700 miles, which will be completed in five-mile stages, will add to the tally.
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The three members of Ripon's 21 Engineer Regiment stepping up to help are Sergeant Max McGoon, Corporal Lee Connolly and Private Matty Haigh, who will complete the 94th, 95th and 96th legs of the route on Sunday.
They will walk from Hessay, York to Langthorpe. Hasti's favourite soft toy, Obama the llama, is being used as the baton by all those taking part.
Private Haigh explained why the soldiers wanted to support fellow soldier Major Brannigan.
To support the Ripon soldiers in their efforts, click here.
Seven members of the Dishforth Military Wives Choir are also taking part. They will cover the 98th leg of the relay from Ripon Cathedral to North Stainley. The choir also supported Major Brannigan during his original march in August.
Choir member Sue Bell said:
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Hope for Hasti
Major Brannigan and his wife Hengameh have been fundraising for over a year for their daughter, Hasti, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.
There is currently no treatment for the disease. The Hope For Hasti charity was set up this year to raise money to start the research and a clinical trial into a gene therapy treatment for CdLS.
Chris' barefoot march raised £500,000 but their final goal is £2.5million to fund a treatment. It is hoped this relay will raise further vital funds for the charity.
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