Northampton family trio embark on mission to walk 50 miles in one day for wounded veterans

A Northampton family trio have set out of a 50-mile walk to Leicestershire and back this morning to raise more than £1,000 for injured soldiers.

At 6am today (December 18), Luke Coleman, his brother 15-year-old Jake and dad Darren set off from town centre on a mission.

The three lads are on an expedition to walk the 25 miles to Great Bowden through Market Harborough, before turning around and coming back to Northampton - and all in time for a trip to the pub.

The astounding march by the trio - under the name 'Two Hunks and a Chunk' - is set to raise more than £1,000 for Walking with the Wounded, a charity that helps ex-Armed Foreces members access mental health and help them back onto 'civvie street'.

Luke said: "I just feel that our ex-service guys and girls deserve all the help possible, especially right now. I should imagine Covid has added another layer on top of the already hard time of mental health struggles.

"Any possible way I can help, I will. They were prepared to lay down their lives, the least I can do is struggle for a few hours to raise some funds."

to add to the undertaking, Luke - who was set to begin basic training for the REME this year before an injury delayed his entry - will also be saddled with a 20kg vest and 10kg on his back.

But after setting up an initial goal of £5,00, the trio has smashed their target and will raise more than £1,000 when the cross the finish line.

Luke said: "I'm honestly blown away at the amount of help it's going to do.

"I'm slightly nervous, but I'm also excited - I've been looking forward to this for a really long time.

"We aim to do it in 14 to 15 hours. As long as we're back in time for the pubs to open for a pint - with a substantial meal of course."

The trio are set to arrive home in Northampton after 8pm tonight. For more information, visit their fundraising page on the Walking Home for Christmas website.