A festive fundraising walk is being held at Help for Heroes’ Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison so it can continue to support wounded veterans and their families.
The Yuletide Yomp on Sunday, December 8, is offering a three mile fully accessible route as well as a family and dog-friendly five-mile, 10-mile and 15-mile walks through the Richmondshire countryside starting at 9.30am.
The event has been organised by Mark Airey, physical development coach at Phoenix House who has pledged to wear a fairy outfit if more than 75 fundraisers take part.
The recovery centre on Richmond Road, which supports fifteen thousand day visitors each year as well as up to 50 overnight guests enrolled on courses each week, relies on public donations for 98 per cent of its income.
It provides welfare support, counselling, career advice and sports activities with challenges ranging from stand-up paddle boarding and recumbent cycling to competing in the Highland Games and swimming 11 miles across the length of Lake Windermere.
The latest ambitious project at Phoenix House is a full-sized 27-foot wooden Viking boat which is being built by wounded veterans of all abilities as part of their recovery journey.
Mark Airey said: “Everyone is welcome to join in our Yuletide Yomp, it’s a fantastic way to have fun while helping us continue our vital work supporting wounded veterans and their families. This year’s event includes a new 15-mile route for those who really want to push themselves.
“The aim is that taking part will leave fundraisers with a huge sense of achievement and pride. Inspiring, enabling and supporting is what Help for Heroes is all about.”
To take part in the Yuletide Yomp which starts at 9.30am on Sunday, December 8, at Help for Heroes’ Phoenix House recovery centre on Richmond Road, Catterick Garrison, click ‘GOING’ on Mark’s Airey Fairy Yuletide Yomp Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Christmas-Airey-Fairies-Yuletide-Yomp-111799750264646/) and donate via his Just Giving page or bring £10 per adult (plus any donations) on the day.
Yuletide Yompers will get a Santa hat and certificate for taking part and will be able to enjoy a cake stall after the walk.
They will also be able to see Help for Heroes’ touring ‘40,000 Strong’ installation featuring miniature model veterans which highlights the number of men and women who’ve been medically discharged from the military over the past 20 years.
