Former Royal Marine Commando from Tain joins epic 925-mile ‘yomp’ for veterans
A FORMER Royal Marines Commando from Easter Ross is helping raise funds for and awareness of veterans who are suffering with PTSD and other mental health issues on an epic John O’Groats to Land’s End ‘yomp’ now passing through his home county.
Former Royal Marines Commando, and Tain local, Andrew Shepherd, is a core member of the Bootneck Yomp 25 support crew and now a qualified drone pilot.
Starting out from John O’Groats last night, the team behind Bootneck Yomp 25 are covering 925 miles throughout the length of the UK over eight days carrying 20lb packs.
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Royal Marines Veterans with an average age of 49 will ‘yomp’ the entire route, ending at Land’s End on November 8.
The support team has already reached Tain with kind offers of hospitality in place for all of them.
Stop off points today include Brora, Dingwall and Beauly.
The group will be joined by fellow Veteran Commandos for local stages and a support crew who will manage the transport, logistics and background administration 24/7.
From the 28-strong team, that hail from as far apart as Tain and Penzance — covering the entire length of the yomp — 17 will run on average 30 miles each per day to raise money for charities – Cancer Research UK, Papyrus (prevention of young suicide), Royal Marines Charity, Alzheimer’s Society and Combat Stress — that have supported or affected all of them in some way and continue to have an effect on so many other people’s lives across the UK every day.
Former Royal Marines Commando, Andrew Shepherd, from Tain, said: “One of the main reasons I wanted to be involved in this event is to raise awareness, and much-needed funds, for veterans who are suffering with PTSD and other mental health issues.
“I also miss the adventure and camaraderie, the friends you make whilst serving and being a member of an exclusive group of people. I am very much looking forward to regaining this sense of belonging during our yomp.”
Mark Gordon, project director, organised this event for several reasons: “Firstly, we wanted to raise as much money as possible for the chosen charities.
“Moreover, for me and every member of the team – whether actively running or as part of the support crew – it’s about service to wider society.
“That does not stop when leaving the Armed Forces. We are demonstrating the value of the Veteran community, their mindset, whilst epitomising the importance of keeping fit and healthy and proactively maintaining one’s physical health and mental wellbeing.
“During the intense training, organisation and planning over the past months, we’ve rediscovered shared bonds and it’s really made a positive difference to us all. As a team where the average age is 49, we’re keen on proving that ‘It’s Still a State of Mind’."
Details of the route along with maps that can be downloaded are available via the Bootneck Yomp 25 website.
All social media channels (linked on the Bootneck Yomp 25 website) will be updated constantly to confirm locations for anyone wishing to turn up to support the team on their way during this challenge.
Donations can be made via Just Giving or the Bootneck Yomp 25 website where you can also offer sponsorship, support and merchandise can be purchased to raise further funds.