A Riverside team of formerly homeless veterans is this month (May) in training for a gruelling Peak challenge to raise money for a forces charity.  

The Cumbrian Challenge is Walking with the Wounded’s annual fundraising event taking place this month (13-15 May) in the Lake District. A team of veterans supported by us at our Aldershot centre, Mike Jackson House, will be joined by four members of staff to take part in the trek, which will test their fitness and determination as they walk the fells of the Peaks. 

Established in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Rushmoor Borough Council, Riverside’s Mike Jackson House provides accommodation and support for single ex-service personnel who have been homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Alex Todino, Employment Mentor at Walking with the Wounded, who is based at Mike Jackson House, said: “The challenge is already proving to be great for teambuilding and everyone is extremely motivated and determined to complete it. The sense of achievement will benefit customers at Mike Jackson House immensely.”

The team is also looking for sponsorship as part of The Cumbrian Challenge. Last year, more than £170,000 was raised by Walking with the Wounded and the other organisations that took part, and Riverside is hoping to help top last summer’s total. 

Chris Symons, our Service Manager, said: “All the monies raised as part of the campaign will go towards supporting veterans back into work. Here at Mike Jackson House we offer pre-employment training and signposting to local agencies to help the formerly homeless veterans we support to find work, as well as helping them into independent accommodation.”

Duncan, 44, was discharged from the armed forces in 2001, suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He struggled with alcohol dependency after being made redundant. Riverside helped Duncan to resolve his outstanding financial problems, which led to him becoming homeless, before helping him get back into work. He is now a Sales Advisor and enjoys lots of different sports in his free time.

 The Cumbrian Challenge starts and finishes in Grasmere, Cumbria, with a BBQ to celebrate those who cross the finishing line. There are three fitness levels as part of the challenge:

 The Peak – 10km hike expected to last between four and 11 hours.

The Tough – 20km hike with 1,300m of altitude gain, expected to take between five and 11 hours.

The Tougher – 30km hike with 1,800m of altitude gain, expected to be a five to 11-hour expedition. 

 For more details about the challenge, or to sponsor the Mike Jackson House team, get in touch with Alex Todino on 01252 785070 or visit Riverside’s Virgin Money Giving page.