ARMED forces members from all over the country will flock to Malvern this weekend for the annual Coltman Stretcher Carry race.
At 11am on Saturday, 15 teams from the forces will be taking part in the special event which starts at Malvern Library on Graham Road and goes through Edith Walk to join the hills at the top of Happy Valley.
The route continues to the tops of North Hill, the Worcestershire Beacon, Summer Hill, Perseverance Hill, Pinnacle Hill and Black Hill before finishing at British Camp.
All money raised from the event will go towards the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The Coltman Stretcher Carry is named after the most highly decorated British ordinary soldier, lance-corporal Bill Coltman, who won a number of awards as a stretcher carrier in the First World War.
He volunteered to be a stretcher carrier rather than bear arms and risked his life time after time to save his fellow comrades.
The Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar, Military Medal and Bar and the Croix de Guerre were some of the accolades he picked up for his bravery.
Susan Buxton, the Coltman ‘16 organiser, said: “Last year’s Stretcher Carry raised nearly £3,000 and this year we have more teams than ever so the target is to raise over £5,000 for the Poppy Appeal.
“The Poppy Appeal funds the welfare work of the RBL, which spends over £1.7m per week supporting The Armed Forces family.
“The route is really tough, really gruelling. I hope all the visitors to Malvern and the walkers on the hills will give our marvellous teams a big cheer and support the teams along the route.
“We’ll have marshals along the route which will give everyone the chance to donate some cash and support the Poppy Appeal.”
Nick Martin, community fundraiser for the RBL in Worcestershire, said: “This is a brilliant community event and its popularity has grown since it started four years ago.
“We are so grateful to the teams who take part and fundraise for the Poppy Appeal. We would also like to thank the Malvern Hills Conservators, volunteers from the Jesus Christ Church of the Latter Day saints and Maritime Cadets who all make this event possible.”
The Poppy Appeal are asking for more volunteers to support them throughout the year. Anybody interested in volunteering should email Nick on [email protected] or call 0203 053 7055.
