The Chara Challenge Run for BLESMA

3 Commando Brigade returned from Afghanistan in April 2009 after a six month tour of duty in Helmand Province. During the tour, there were many notable successes but progress came at a significant cost. 37 comrades were killed in action, 169 were wounded in action and 379 suffered non-battle related injuries.

In order to raise money for the fallen and injured, they are organising The Chara Challenge, a 30-mile race over Dartmoor, to take place on 16th July 2009. The race replicates the final Commando test, and will be conducted by up to 100 4-man teams (military and civilian), wearing boots and carrying 32 pounds in a daysack (plus safety stores). The race must be completed in 10 hours.

Teams entering the competition do so for the purpose of raising money for the Chara Challenge Fund. All sponsorship will go directly to the charities that care for those who are suffering from the injuries they have sustained, or that support the dependants of our comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

As the Chara Challenge Fund’s primary charity, BLESMA has received nearly £15,000 (as of 18th June 2009), raised by the teams participating in the challenge. Please help us prove “There is no such thing as insurmountable odds”.

Visit http://www.charachallenge.com for further details of the event and ways to participate.