Soldier completes Hadrian's Wall challenge for BLESMA

Capt Ed Poynter who completed his six month tour in Helmand province has walked the length of Hadrian's Wall with his two brothers. Capt Ed Poynter, of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was raising money for BLESMA.

The 27-year-old, from Hammersmith, west London, and seven others set off from Bowness on Solway in Cumbria on Sunday. They completed the 87-mile (140km – the same distance as 3.5 marathons) at Wallsend in three days. Capt Poynter, from London, said the group had run the majority of the course the first day and slowed to a march during the second and third days.

He added: "We have a lot of blisters and sore knees. In terms of what we saw along the way, the scenery was absolutely stunning. A lot of the countryside was in snow. But most of us take our limbs for granted. It’s right we put them to good use in aid of such a good cause.”

Capt Poynter has recently completed a six-month tour of Helmand province where 40 comrades were killed or wounded. He describes himself as one of the lucky ones having returned from Afghanistan unscathed.

Amongst those who died was his friend Lt Paul Mervis. "Completing this challenge is the least I can do to mark his memory and help those who paid such a dear price," Capt Poynter said. "I hope my effort will go some way to helping those with horrific injuries to normal life."

Before serving in Afghanistan the 27-year-old spent some time with the battalion in Iraq.
He plans to leave the Army next year to become a teacher.