After recently launching the COVID Bounceback Fund, Team Army and Ultra are proud to announce that the first recipients are some truly inspiring athletes on a mission to kayak from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Kayak4Heroes is a team of five injured and wounded veterans aiming to achieve a world first by becoming the first adaptive team to take on this challenging route and to beat the current record held for completing the journey of 35 days.
Maj Gen Lamont Kirkland, CEO Team Army said, ‘This challenge completely embodies the spirit of our Bounceback fund. It will not only provide a highly rewarding and transformative experience for those involved, it should inspire and motivate others to move beyond their disability, regain confidence and recapture their zest for life’.
Simon Pryce, Chief Executive Ultra Electronic Holdings plc said, ‘Ultra is committed to acting as a positive force in the communities in which we operate. We are very proud to be honouring the commitment and sacrifices made by the forces, particularly through this Covid fund and the creation of our new Armed Forces Charter to recognise, respect and show gratitude for military and forces’ service. We are delighted that Kayak 4 Heroes have been chosen as the first recipients from the fund, they brilliantly symbolise our EMPOWERING and PERFORMING company values and we wish them the very best of success in their inspiring mission.’
Liz Winfield, Kayak4Heroes said, ‘It is incredible to build these amazing partnerships that allow us to be able to give back to the AFPST, ensuring that this epic challenge makes a real impact beyond the water. We welcome Team Ethos and Ultra aboard’.
The Challenge
In August 2021, the team will set off on the 1,400-kilometre journey from Land’s End in Cornwall and will tackle some of the United Kingdom’s toughest waters before arriving at John O’ Groats in Scotland. The route features two inland sections covering approximately 400 kilometres of the total distance. The first of these two passageways will lead the team inland through the Bristol Channel before heading up the River Severn and canal networks of the West Midlands. The second section will pass through Scotland’s famous Caledonian Canal which passes through Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy and Loch Ness (150 kilometres).
‘By undertaking this adventurous challenge, we will have to overcome our respective injuries and disabilities if we are to succeed. Our aim is to inspire and motivate those struggling with mental and physical health issues in our country by demonstrating that it is possible to overcome disability and find strength in adversity.’