Wounded warriors' Highlands challenge
Above:
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon at a British Embassy reception in Washington DC heralding the departure of participants in the 2015 Cateran Yomp.
Competitors will attempt to yomp (march) up to 54 miles in 24 hours across the rugged terrain of Glenshee and Loch Cateran. The team, drawn largely from the Special Forces community, will include personnel who have suffered traumatic amputation, blast and psychological injuries as well as those battling terminal cancer.
The event is being supported by Harquebus in conjunction with the Allied Forces Foundation (AFF). The AFF is a unique charity set up to support veterans and their families on both sides of the Atlantic.
The charity provides opportunities for wounded, ill and injured servicemen to find renewed purpose and re-establish self-belief through participation in challenging events such as the Cateran Yomp. It costs £1500 to fund each competitor, and all of the money raised goes directly to fund each participant.
This team has attracted considerable attention and will be supported by the First Minister of Scotland, US Assistant Secretary Defense and a number of three and four star officers, who will be in attendance.
The event provides ADS members with the opportunity to support an extremely worthwhile cause and raise their profile with senior members of the US establishment.