October 3, 2011 11.10 am This story is over 148 months old

Ex-soldiers march for charity

Charity march: Two former soldiers will circle Brayford 30 times whilst carrying 35lb backpacks.

Two former soldiers will march 26 miles for charity whilst carrying 35lb backpacks, circling the University of Lincoln’s Brayford campus 30 times later this month.

Mickey Jackson and Andy Swarbrooke, who both served in the 2503 Squadren RAF Regiment, hope to raise £2,000 split between St Barnabas Hospice and the National Autism Foundation.

Now working at the University of Lincoln, the men wanted to put a twist on the marathon by carrying the extra weight and have been putting in a lot of training ahead of the challenge.

Jackson said: “We wanted to do something really difficult but have been in training now for six months now, so we feel ready for the challenge”.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Swarbrooke and Jackson can visit their Just Giving page or donate on October 14 when they undertake their challenge.

If there is any doubt how heavy the 35lb full army backpacks are, then spectators are invited to pick up a replica bag on the day and cheer them on.