Walking with the Wounded pays tribute to Glenfiddich
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THE Walking with the Wounded charity is delighted to be launching its latest UK challenge at Glenfiddich Distillery - a staunch support of past endeavours.
Ed Parker, co-founder and CEO of the charity, said: "We have had a long relationship with Glenfiddich.
"They were a sponsor of our Everest Expedition in 2012 and one of the team sponsors when we went to the South Pole in 2013."
The 1,000 mile walk by six wounded veterans sets off at 11am on Saturday August 22 from the distillery in Dufftown.
Prince Harry is patron of the charity and will be joining them at various stages along the 72-day walk, which will end at Buckingham Palace on November 1.
The charity is setting a target of £250,000 for the walk, which will support wounded veterans across the UK.
"People can buy a mile of the walk, so we are hoping 1,000 people will each buy a mile," he added.
A former serviceman himself, Mr Parker said the challenge was different to previous ones, but still very challenging for veterans with a range of disabilities.
"The average walk distance is 15 to 20 miles a day and if you did that for one or two days that would be relatively easy.
"One of the guys only has one leg and another has an orthotic support on her foot.
"When you are into a 30th day, having to walk 15-20 miles will take its toll on your body and finding the mental strength to keep going is difficult."
Having served in the Royal Green Jackets in the 1980’s and 1990’s, seeing active service in Northern Ireland, Ed left the Army and spent some time in the financial world. Ed was part of the Walking With The Wounded North Pole expedition in 2011 and the Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge in 2013.
The support vehicle for the challenge began its journey from Norfolk to Dufftown on Thursday, while the walking team were set to fly up on Friday.
Mr Parker said the charity welcomed the patronage of Prince Harry, himself a former serviceman.
"He has been a tremendous supporter of Walking with the Wounded and a broad range of veterans’ charities.
"We are very privileged to have had his support."
