'Mission accomplished' as Northamptonshire soldiers complete charity march for Combat Stress

It was mission accomplished for Army veterans Phil Shorty Shortland, Lloyd Bryant and Simon Si Forth who completed their March for March.

The pals’ Sallie Army team have raised nearly £5,500 – vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for military veterans.

The former soldiers – all in their 50s – took on the 18.8 mile cross-country route as a TAB ‘Tactical Advance to Battle’ yomp and despite ‘losing’ and hour crossed the finish line early.

Phil said: “Mission accomplished! We applied the seven ‘P’s – previous preparation and planning, prevents pretty poor performance – that Army Veterans know have been instilled in us from day one.”

Setting off just before 5am, the team ‘motored’ through their route with up to 25 kilos (55 lbs) on their backs.

The super fit team had an exceptionally fast start and despite a good break for their self-prepared hearty breakfast, had to slow right down as the finish line, the bar of the Live and Let Live pub in Harpole, was not due to open until midday.

As the team enjoyed a much-deserved beer, pubgoers gave generously to Combat Stress.

Phil added: “It’s putting something back. It’s a massive cause, helping people who have served in the military.”

To donate to The Sallie Army team fundraiser for Combat Stress go to https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/TheSallieArmy

Combat Stress provides specialist clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, focusing on those with PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and moral injury resulting from their experiences during military service.

For help, call the free helpline on 0800 1381619, text 07537 173683 or email [email protected].