Mountain challenge to help veterans

Gary Stopford, Wendy Croal, Michael Grassom and Maria Norman are taking part in the Balmoral Challenge – a 20k orienteering event in the Cairngorms on Saturday, June 24.

Walking With The Wounded is a military charity that aims to support all veterans with physical, mental or social injury to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to develop new careers outside the military, re-integrate into society and provide long-term security for themselves and their families.

Learning and development officer Maria said: "As part of the Community Covenant, Stirling Council is committed to providing a range of support for current and former armed forces personnel and their families.

"We felt, as part of this, it would be good if we could get a team of Stirling Council staff to take part in the Balmoral Challenge to support Walking For The Wounded.

"We will also be taking part in the search for the historic Prince’s Stone in the grounds of Balmoral Castle."

The team need to raise a minimum of £1,000 and have been busy arranging and recruiting volunteer bakers to help with cake sales which will take place across various council venues.

Maria added: "As well as individual sponsorship, we have arranged a fundraising race night and disco on 21 July at Stirling Rugby Club. Tickets can be obtained from the organisational development and change team on 01786 233587.

"We have also arranged a grand raffle and have some great prizes on offer, including overnight stays, restaurant vouchers, and free train travel. These tickets are also available now as well as at the Race Night, where the draw will take place."

The team – Gary, a Childcare Review Co-ordinator; Michael, Service Manager with Children’s Services; Wendy and Maria, both Learning and Development Officers, are gearing up for the event by practising their map reading and navigational skills.

The Balmoral Challenge will see up to 100 teams of four compete over one of three mountainous routes on HM The Queen’s estate in the Cairngorm National Park – with each team supporting a vulnerable veteran to regain their independence and reintegrate into society.

Teams will meet and compete against the charity’s beneficiaries from across Scotland and hear first-hand how they have overcome physical, mental and social injuries such as homelessness to get back into work and independence.