Show your support and sponsor Harrogate's junior soldiers raising funds to help our wonderful NHS

While the college is closed temporarily during the outbreak, the soldiers from 20 Platoon Burma Company are passionate about using the newfound time they have to do something positive to show support and solidarity for our NHS.

All ten participants will set off on the morning of May 15 - due to the current guidelines around social distancing, the soldiers will not be running as a collective and will instead be running the half marathon as individuals and staying away from others while completing the route. The fundraiser also aims to provide a good incentive for junior soldiers to keep their fitness levels up during lockdown.

Cpl Gavin Shiels, who is an instructor at the college and is taking part in the challenge alongside his junior soldiers, said: "I think that it is really important to raise money and awareness to give something back to the key workers during these hard times.

"They are at the frontline in this war because that's what the pandemic is like in a way, we are relying on them to help us get through this and they deserve everyone's respect.

"I praise the NHS and all the key workers doing their jobs and keeping the country afloat. I honestly think all NHS workers deserve a pay rise once this virus has passed. Now more than ever we see what they have to go through, and what they do to make our lives better.

"Families have been separated due to the NHS staff having to work while their family members are on lockdown, and that alone is a big thing to do. During the lockdown this half marathon will keep the junior soldiers focused on something and help keep their fitness up by training for the event. It's important to keep physical standards up for when they return back to the college."

He added: "My main aim for this challenge is to give something back and raise as much money for the NHS charities whilst also keep an eye on my junior soldiers, hopefully keeping thier minds busy and occupied while the college is shut and they are at home. I wouldn't want them to lose focus and end up leaving the Army during these times. They are still in basic training as they do not pass out until August 2020."

To sponsor the determined team, visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gavin-shiels1