CITY-BASED anti-landmine charity Halo Trust has announced that former Invictus Games competitors will join television stars for a 34km fundraiser walk across Salisbury Plain.
Taking place on May 25, former competitors from the UK and Ukraine will join BBC presenter JJ Chalmers at the event, along with former Halo employee and Love Island star Camilla Thurlow.
Halo is now asking local people to register online and find as many supporters as possible to sponsor them to walk the 34km route. All money raised will go towards clearing landmines and explosive items from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Syria.
JJ said: "After suffering life-changing injuries from an IED (improvised explosive device) blast while serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan, I want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all those who have lost limbs, livelihoods and loved ones through indiscriminate weapons such as landmines and other explosive devices.
"It will be an honour to walk alongside fellow Invictus competitors for Halo on Salisbury Plain this May.’
The event’s route will encompass ancient hill forts as well as a Cold War era former army facility normally restricted from the public.
There will be a shorter 15km and family friendly 5km route for children, with a free barbecue and T-shirt at the end for all participants.
The Halo Trust employs men and women from mine-affected communities around the world to clear deadly weapons left over from recent and historical conflicts. It is best known for escorting Princess Diana through a minefield in Angola in 1997 and works in 25 countries and disputed territories around the world.
Camilla worked for them in Cambodia and Zimbabwe between 2012 - 2015 and will be joined at the Safe Steps walk by Jamie Jewitt, whom she met during the reality TV series’ second season in 2017.
Major General James Cowan, chief executive of Halo said: "We know the people of Salisbury will want to get behind Safe Steps and support HALO’s life-saving work. The Safe Steps walk is a physically demanding but rewarding way to connect with your local global charity and raise money to save lives.’
People who wish to register for the walk can do so on line at www.halosafesteps.org
There is a registration fee of £10 per person for those aged 18 and over. Children can register for free.
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