Helping The Heroes

Land's End to John O' Groats with a 70 pound pack

Ealing resident Daniel Cole is heading back to London after walking more than twelve hundred miles, sleeping outdoors and carrying a 70 pound pack.

Daniel, aged 22, from Ranelagh Road and a former pupil of Cardinal Vaughan school, alongside friend and fellow Territorial Army 2nd Lieutenant, Josh Phillips, from Ilminster in Somerset, walked for 70 days from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. They had to cope with blizzards in Scotland and crossing swollen streams along the way.

They walked using mostly national footpaths, without a support car or any paid accommodation and lived off army rations, and sleeping under a “basha” (tarpaulin) in order that all money raised should go to Help4Heroes.

Angie Bray, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, will meet both of the walkers at the New Inn in South Ealing Road where Daniel has worked as a barman, to hand over a cheque for more than £5000 to the charity which helps care for wounded soldiers.

Dan (22) and Josh (21), who both graduated from Birmingham University this year, felt compelled to help after seeing injured soldiers being taken to and from the nearby Selly Oak Hospital.
Dan, who re-enters Sandhurst Academy in January said, “The support we had along the way showed just how popular Help4Heroes is with people of all ages. We experienced the kindness of strangers on many occasions. “
Josh said, “This was one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. It was an idea born in a pub and it’s great that it should end in a pub too!”

Ealing Information and Technology Company Ajartec was the main sponsor of the walk. Company director Jim Keane said they had no hesitation in supporting Dan and Josh. “They are fine young men walking for one of the greatest charities in this country. Ajartec is proud to be involved with them.”

Ealing MP Angie Bray, who was a sponsor, paid tribute to both Dan and Josh saying “They have shown great courage and determination to battle the elements and terrain, to cover more than twelve hundred miles for such a worthy cause.”

Daniel’s father Stephen, who is a senior news presenter with Al Jazeera television, said he was immensely proud of both boys. He walked 34 miles with them and afterwards said he “couldn’t stand up for two days!” He said, “Walking just a short time with Dan and Josh showed me just how much strength and willpower they showed to keep up their pace for 70 days - sometimes achieving up to 28 miles a day.

Their fundraising doesn’t stop there!  To donate please visit website: www.justgiving.com/joshanddan

9 November 2010