A team of soldiers from Taunton endured a week of punishing physical activity back in 2009 to raise thousands of pounds for charity in memory of fallen comrades, including Cpl Tom Gaden, who came from the county town.
The soldiers from 19 and 20 Cadet Training Team and B-Company 6 Rifles in Taunton completed the triple challenge in just five days.
The challenge included a 19-mile white water kayak down the River Wye, a 24-hour race to climb the highest peaks in Great Britain – Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis, and a four-day, 24-hour, 900-mile cycle relay from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Speaking at the time, team leader, Cpt Martyn Griffiths, said: "This was an extremely difficult challenge, both mentally and physically, and we believe it is the first time it has been attempted.
"The last 24 hours of the challenge were the most demanding, and the team – both the athletes and the support team, including our two drivers – really had to dig deep into their reserves of energy and enthusiasm just to carry on.
"We were inspired to undertake this challenge due to the important work carried out by Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund in helping our soldiers injured in Afghanistan, and because of the loss of eight of my comrades from 1 Rifles, including Cpl Tom Gaden from Taunton.
"Spurred on by our successful completion of the challenge and the donations that we have received and raised, we’ve decided to raise our fundraising target from £8,500 to £10,000.
"We’re confident that we can meet this new target if everyone gives what they can for these great causes."
Share