British soldier in Kabul attempts 20 gruelling challenges to raise funds for Royal Hospital Chelsea

28th November 2014

A British soldier serving in Kabul is to attempt a series of gruelling physical challenges to raise funds for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in memory of the 453 British service personnel who sadly lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Stephen Hughes, who is currently serving in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), has selected a total of 20 tough physical exercises to mark the number of British Forces operational tours in the region and he aims to repeat each exercise 453 times.  

The exercises include 453 40kg squat thrusts, lunges, Barbell curls and push presses; a 4.53km 100kg sledge pull and 60kg loaded march and 453 tricep dips and power bag get ups.  

Stephen, who is from Swansea, will start his 20-day challenge, which he is calling ‘Reps to Remember’ on Sunday 30 November in Kabul. 
 
Stephen said, “I have chosen to raise money for the Royal Hospital Chelsea because as we leave Afghanistan myself and my comrades undoubtedly want the option of becoming Chelsea Pensioners ourselves in years to come. I came up with ‘Reps to Remember’ because I believe that we need to support the Royal Hospital Chelsea so that it in turn can support present and future combat troops for another 300 years.” 

Kate Marsh, Fundraising Manager at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said, “Stephen has come up with an incredibly tough challenge in order to raise a substantial sum for the home of the Chelsea Pensioners. 
 
“We are in awe of his efforts, especially as each challenge will remember those service personnel who sadly lost their lives in Afghanistan.  He is a true inspiration and we hope that the public will really get behind him.”
 
Stephen is aiming to raise £5,000 for the Royal Hospital Chelsea and has said that if he fails in this aim, he will pledge £2,500 of his own wages instead. To help Stephen succeed, please visit http://bit.ly/reps2remember and https://www.facebook.com/reps2remember

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