TWO Monmouth fundraisers have raised more than £2,000 after taking part in a gruelling 24-hour trek.

Emma King and Suzy Mills undertook the Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp earlier this month, completing 36.5 miles of the trek to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity (ABF) and St Davids Hospice Care. 

The Yomp is an annual 54-mile, 24 hour trek in the heart of Perthshire, which raises money for ABF. Emma and Suzy were part of more than 1,000 participants that took part in the 2016 event which, since its beginning in 2010, has raised more than £1.8 million.

The duo passed the bronze point of 22 miles with ease and then moved into the unknown as neither had trained passed this distance.

The girls arrived at the silver point of 36.5 miles just before midnight and decided this was the distance where they would stop after picking up some niggles along the way. Both girls were hugely impressed by the support provided on the day itself with frequent water stations to keep them hydrated, food stops to energise them and the massage therapists and podiatrists on hand to keep them putting one foot in front of the other.

The trail was much more challenging than they expected it to be and both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel pleased with what they achieved, however they both have the desire to get to gold so watch this space!

Emma has raised close to £800 for ABF which her employer Barclays will match, making her donation to the charity £1600.

She said: “I have raised more than £30,000 for the charity over the past five years and I will continue to support them moving forward as I have seen the amazing support they give to members of the armed forces past and present along with their families, the charity will remain close to my heart.” Emma also expressed her thanks to Ron and his team at Kings Fee Spar for their ongoing support with her fundraising.

Suzy has raised £480 for ABF. She said “I would also like to thank Kings Fee Spar, especially Alex, for signing me up! At times I’ve wanted to throttle him but the whole experience has been humbling and taught me a great deal about ABF and maintaining a positive determined attitude when faced with adversity, so thank you.

“As many know I also had a rather personal goal of fundraising for St Davids and am thrilled that I am able to donate more than £800 to that cause as well. The help from my husband and extended family at Paul Jarrold Tyres and the kindness shown from all the team has been overwhelming at times.

Some of Paul Jarrold’s suppliers; Toyo Tyres, Kumho Tyres, Wheelmasters UK, and R H Claydon gave very generous donations, and without that support I would not have been able to take part in the event and raise the sum that I have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also love to our families, friends and the Beacon team”

Major General (Ret’d) Martin Rutledge, Chief Executive of ABF added: “The Yomp is a really tough challenge. The 54 miles might look easy on paper but once you are trekking in the hills and trails, then it becomes an endurance test. Emma and Suzy’s fundraising will make a real difference to the soldiers and veterans that need help and the charity is grateful to them for taking it on.”

Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s event should get in touch with ABF.