An intrepid group of colleagues from the Tyne Tunnels have teamed up to do the Cateran Yomp, a gruelling 54 mile, 24 hour trek, in aid of a military charity.
Tony Harbison, Phil Dixon, Michael Ayre, all of whom work together at TT2 Limited, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, will travel to Perthshire to take part in the challenge, along with their colleague and support driver Angus Fergusson.
The group, who have chosen the team name ‘Tyne Tunnel Trekkers, have been training hard for the event, including a trip to Northumberland to take part in the Allendale Challenge, another outdoor charity even in aid of North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Service.
The Cateran Yomp is organised by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly known as the Army Benevolent Fund, which as the Army’s National Charity supports more than 5,000 soldiers, veterans, and their families in need. Participants can take part in gold, silver and bronze options, which are 54, 36.5 and 22 miles long respectively.
The Tyne Tunnel Trekkers, who are going for gold, chose to support this charity because Phil Dixon and Michael Ayre are both ex-servicemen and Tony Harbison has a nephew currently serving in the Parachute Regiment.
The term ‘Yomp’ came into everyday usage during the Falklands Conflict, when journalists reporting from the front line used the word, having learned it from Royal Marines, who due to the destruction of several military helicopters ‘yomped’ across the islands while carrying 35kg of equipment each.
Team Captain Phil Dixon said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge, it’s a brilliant opportunity to raise money for a cause close to