21 Engineers regiment take part in a 48-hour challenge

Twenty soldiers from the 21 Engineers regiment took part in a 48-hour challenge on Tuesday 1 June for Blind Veterans UK.

Sergeant Keith Bryson, 31 and from Doncaster, decided to organise the challenge after Simon Brown, a blinded Iraq war veteran who is supported by the charity, led a Teams call back in February.

The team, who maintain all the military transport for the regiment, cycled 2607km and rowed 104km over 48 hours at their base in Ripon, North Yorkshire. They did two-hour rotations in groups of three and reached their target before 8am on Thursday 3 June.

Keith says:

“We trained intensely for the last month, using equipment in the gym. We did the challenge in the gym in our camp in Ripon. Hopefully we can raise lots of funds and awareness of the charity!”

Simon says:

“During lockdown it was great for my own well-being to have something to do. Speaking to young service personnel who were in the same shoes I was 20 years ago, brought back some real nostalgia.  I’m honoured and proud that the guys from my old corp have chosen to support Blind Veterans UK. I wish them all the luck on this epic challenge - although at my age I’m glad I’m not joining in!”

The 21 Engineer regiment raised an amazing £885 for Blind Veterans UK through their JustGiving page.