A DEDICATED team will undertake a gruelling endurance challenge alongside Gurkhas.

The Braintree group comprised of Nick Ellis, Steve Dyball, Mark Robinson and James Dillinger will hike 100 kilometres across the South Downs in under 30 hours.

The event spans the weekend of September 20 to 22.

The group have undertaken fundraisers in the past in aid of various causes including Help for Heroes and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Last year they raised £8,000 for the Jacob Jones Cancer Trust to support a young man with the life-threatening disease.

Helping them prepare this year is Kevin Edwards, who often takes part in the group’s fundraising feats.

He said: “We have had three big cycle rides in the past. We decided we were going to do a walk this time.

“It’s called the Trailwalker and it’s in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam. Gurkhas themselves are involved in it, meeting us at the checkpoints.

“One of the member’s grandfathers was a prisoner in Burma so that’s why we did Help for Heroes. Trailwalker this year starts near Portsmouth and finishes up in Brighton.”

Kevin said the endurance event is modelled on real-life Gurkha training. It will pass through nine checkpoints at intervals of six to 13 kilometres.

Trailwalker is supporting each team with guides, communications and advice, with logistics and safety being spearheaded by the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. During the event, volunteers from Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust will also be cheering teams along.

Kevin said: “We like to challenge ourselves a bit. Especially if we can do some good when we’re pushing ourselves.

“To prepare the guys are just out walking on a regular basis. A portion of the walking is at night so we’re going to be training at night as well.”

The group’s fundraising target is £3,000.

The team will hold a charity quiz night at 7pm on Friday at Braintree Rugby Club and a special golf day at Stisted on September 1.

Kevin said 30 golfers are already lined up to attend and there are still places left for the quiz. Entry is £5 per person, with a prize of £50 for the winner of the ‘Find the X’ treasure map game.

Contact Nick on 07708 280639 or Steve on 07899 885199.