Disabled veteran prepares for trek on 'Freedom Trail'

The seven trekkers who work for the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency based in Gosport, Hampshire, will accompany a blinded armed forces veteran for the challenge to complete the 50-mile “Freedom Trail”.

Their route will follow the path that was originally established for fleeing Frenchmen attempting to reach North Africa to join the Free French Forces during the Second World War.

The team has already raised 5,000 in sponsorship for St Dunstan’s, a charity which supports blinded servicemen. Accompanying the group is Don Planner, 62, from Poole, Dorset, who was in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 13 years but was blinded in a fuel tank explosion in 1975.

Mr Planner, who previously became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mont Blanc, will also become the first blind person to complete the Freedom Trail.

The group is led by Mick Monaghan, 61, who was recently awarded the MBE for his charitable services.

Mr Monaghan, from Fareham, Hampshire, said: “The whole team is hoping for an amazing experience in retracing the steps of those escaping to freedom 65 to 70 years ago.

“I’ve completed several long distance treks for charity across the world but this is going to be a tough one.

“Several of us have family connections with the services and we’ll be motivated by the knowledge that we are raising money for such a good cause.

“Having Don with us gives us a real boost and I’m sure he’ll help us through.”

They will begin the four-day trek on September 20 and will be fully self-sufficient by carrying their own supplies.

The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency is an agency of the Ministry of Defence and provides essential support functions to the armed forces and veterans communities.

To sponsor the group visit: www.justgiving.com/spvafreedomtrailtrek.