Hundreds to take on gruelling Lake District climb for Walking With The Wounded

On the 11th anniversary of the Cumbrian Challenge, thousands of Armed Forces supporters will be taking to the hills to raise thousands of pounds to support veterans.

Taking place in Grasmere in the Lake District on Friday and Saturday, the walk will be led by the Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), with support from companies including Gasway, BAE Systems Submarines, DXC Technology and the FDM Group.

"With this collective support, we aim to make a significant impact, providing vital support to veterans and their families through our core programmes," said James Davis, Events Manager at WWTW.

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Military broadcasters BFBS - the parent company of Forces News - are official media partners for the event, with the organisation entering a team from the charity's staff Armed Forces Group.

Around 20% of the BFBS staff are from the military community.

Co-chair of the BFBS Armed Forces Group, Darren Coventry said: "BFBS has been a long-term ally of the Armed Forces and the many charities that support our service personnel, veterans and families.  

"As a Gold Award holder in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we echo that attitude internally, supporting the veterans and reserve forces personnel who work at BFBS, across the world.

"Shining a light on the activities of charities like WWTW, who exist solely to empower the veteran community couldn't be more rewarding."

Nearly 170 teams are taking part in the challenge with more than £123,000 raised so far.

The Cumbrian Challenge is the WWTW’s annual flagship fundraiser and began in 2013.

The route includes options ranging from Peak (11km - 650m ascent), Tough (21km - 1,400m ascent) and Tougher (28km - 1,700m ascent).

This year, the Cumbrian Challenge has welcomed Sunbelt Rentals as the Presenting Partner for the event.

Kate Tabain, WWTW Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: "We're thrilled to welcome the BFBS team to the Cumbrian Challenge, our premier fundraising event hosted by WWTW in Grasmere, in the heart of the Lake District."