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VIDEO: Bedford features in RAF soldier’s 440 mile trek
A former RAF soldier is embarking on a 440 mile trek across the country to raise money for the families of fallen troops after returning from Afghanistan - and chose Bedford as one of his destinations.
Ben Greer served six tours of duty on Chinook helicopters, but has now turned his attention to giving back to the 440 soldiers lost in battle by walking a mile for each person.
“The event in itself is pretty organic. Rather than organising 100 events in different locations and because it is something I wanted to do anyway I thought I am just going to do it. And if we get anything out of it along the way, then that’s brilliant.
“It is something close to my heart that I wanted to get off of my chest and so if people want to come along and show a bit of respect with me, then great.”
During his time in as a Chinook crewman, Ben was in charge of pulling out the wounded and the dead from the field of battle.
And to acknowledge that he will carrying a load of 100kg on his back during his trek, which is the equivalent of carrying a soldier in his kit off the battlefield.
At the beginning of The Big Lift 2013 challenge to visit 100 locations across the country, Ben has already raised just under £2000 for five charities, including Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, SSAFA, ABF The Soldiers Charity and Help For Heroes.
For more information about Ben’s trip, visit www.thebiglift.co.uk or to support his journey follow him on Twitter @TheBigLift2013 or like him on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBigLift
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Weather for Bedford
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
