Three determined air cadets from Colchester dug deep to raise cash for the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital.
Tim Reynolds, 17, Charlie Delamere, 17, and Adil Hebil-Motie, 16, from 308 (Colchester) Squadron, ATC, took part in the Paras’10 - an event described as the ultimate ten mile endurance race.
The three cadets ran the event at Aldershot Garrison on hilly terrain through water, bogs and mud while carrying rucksacks weighing 35lb and wearing military-style boots.Tim, who is a student at Colchester Sixth Form College, said: “This is one of the most gruelling challenges known throughout the British Military.
“The hills were sheer, some with gradients in excess of 45 degrees and the rain had been continuous in the days leading up to the event, resulting on what could best be described as lakes in the middle of dirt tracks.
“Covering the ground at a rate of 9km/h with the equivalent of a four-year-old on your back is not for the faint-hearted so all of those who attempted the training can feel immensely proud of their achievements."