Callands man in Afghanistan challenge (From Warrington Guardian)

Afghanistan challenge for Callands man

3:40pm Friday 20th August 2010 in Where I Live

A CALLANDS man has challenged Warrington residents to complete the equivalent of 8,000 miles from the Town Hall to the British Army’s Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and back between now and spring 2011.

The Warrington Town Afghanistan Challenge, headed by Warrington Hospital employee Phil Winstanley, aims to raise a minimum of £500,000 for charities including Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Phil served in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1982 to 1995.

He was wounded in Belfast in 1991 and subsequently suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, meaning he is not eligible to serve in Afghanistan The 44-year-old theatre co-ordinator said: “Our motto is ‘take the challenge, support our troops’.

“We all watch the news and see all the soldiers being killed so I think it is important that we show the troops that we support them, appreciate all they are doing and that we are proud of them.

“While the main objective of the challenge is to raise the funds and support our troops, the challenge team will also be promoting fitness and well being and forging harmony and community spirit through organised events.”

People can choose to cover the distance in a number of ways, such as running, cycling, walking, swimming, rowing or climbing.

The main 8,000 mile goal will consist of four separate challenges and any individual, school, group, club or business will be able to register an activity or event.

Challenge one is for accumulative mileage and is ideal for those who just want to do a few miles as and when they can.

Challenge two is for groups and clubs, meaning people can pick an activity and share the mileage.

Challenge three is for those who wish to complete the 8,000 miles by themselves and the fourth challenge suits supporters who just want to organise a fundraising event.

The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) and the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is currently on tour in Afghanistan and will be completing the challenge in reverse from Camp Bastion to Warrington Town Hall.

Phil has launched a group on social networking site Facebook called ‘Take the Challenge Support Our Troops’ and he hopes to attract 8,000 members, one for every mile completed.

To register an event visit warringtonchallenge.org.uk, e-mail the challenge team at takethechallenge@live.co.uk or call 246880.