A FORMER soldier, who lost a friend in the Iraq war, will walk around the coast of mainland UK to support a war heroes charity.
Ex-Army man Lee Corbett, 30, from Llandudno and his friend Jonny Kelsall, 27, set off on the 2,500-mile challenge on Monday. Friends and family gathered at the town’s promenade bandstand to see off the fundraisers, who hope to raised £500, 000 for charity Help the Heroes. The duo will be joined by their pet dogs Taz and Suki.
Mr Corbett joined the Army after leaving school and served for three-and-a-half years. He signed up for the forces at the same time as his old school friend, Llywelyn Evans (Welly) from Llandudno, who was one of the first soldiers to be killed in the Iraq war in 2003.
The walkers were met by Llywelyn’s mother, Theresa Evans at the start of the 100-day challenge. Mr Corbett, a former pupil at Ysgol John Bright, said: “Theresa gave me a picture of Llywelyn and asked me to carry it with me. I felt honoured. We decided to walk because we felt like the Government were not doing anything. Too many troops are dying or left injured. Help the Heroes help with rehabilitation.”
The determined fundraisers hope to walk about 30 miles a day and will be carrying collection boxes. They have endured a gruelling training regime to prepare them for the challenge. They hope to return to the bandstand at Llandudno on Tuesday, June 8.
Father-of-two Mr Corbett, who now works as a gardener, will carry a Christmas present given to him by his children. He hopes the gift will give him inspiration. Mr Kelsall, who has three children and one on the way, has packed a clock, also given to him by his children.
Mrs Evans said:“I was choked up when Lee said he would keep Llywelyn’s picture with him. I am really proud. Hopefully people will be generous. The funds raised are so important. We are not just talking about people who are dying in the war, we are taking about the ones who have to come home and live with the injuries. Others may be left homeless when they come back and they need support.”
The pair will keep a video diary of the challenge and hope to gain support from local press on the way. They will carry rucksacks, weighing seven-and-a-half stone, which will contain supplies of food, a tent and clothing.
Mr Corbett said: “When I was serving in Northern Ireland I didn’t see anything like they have experienced in Afghanistan or Iraq, but you hear all the stories. We are just trying to raise the funds. They are the true heroes.”