TWO dads and their two sons are preparing to do the ultimate Paras 10 endurance challenge to raise money for charity.
Karl and Richard Sutton and their sons, Tony, aged 37, and Harrison, aged 20, are taking part in the Paras 10 endurance event in the hills above Catterick barracks next Saturday, September 30.
They will be carrying a 35lb Bergan and boots raising money for the regiment and veterans groups.
The Parachute Regiment challenges those taking part to attempt the 10 Mile ‘P’ Company Cross Country Route, carrying a bergen (rucksack) weighing 35lb (excluding food and water) and wearing long trousers with ‘military style’ or hiking boots with ankle support. Competitor’s rucksacks will be weighed before and after the race, by race officials. The march must be completed in 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Karl, aged 64, and Richy, aged 56, have supported the PARAS in the past.
Karl said: “I have supported PARA Charity for quite a number of years; I suppose my interest goes back to being a young boy and reading of the regiments coming into being, development and its many honours and achievements. Although I always had ambition and interest in joining the military, for one reason and another it remained an unfulfilled dream but there we go eh, c’est la vie.
“My first Catterick Para’s 10 TAB was 2009 and I have completed every one since (13), although in 2020 I missed the virtual Catterick due to a mix-up. I my son and a friend Gaz completed our own 10-mile tab in 2020 as a substitute. I did a parachute jump for the charity at Hibaldstow a few years ago and also during the covid pandemic completed virtual Arnhem and the Covid 2.6 challenge.
“I entered last year’s Catterick TAB very late due to a hernia operation in July, I had to pass on the Tab as I was only 7 weeks post op on September 3rd. Due to the hernia and subsequent operation I had not done any weight-carrying tabbing since the previous year’s Catterick event so ended up completing the event but without the weighted bergen. I’m approaching 65 now and it’s definitely not getting easier but once again I’m back to TAB the event.
“Please consider helping us support this fantastic, worthy if little-known military charity, your help will be greatly appreciated.
“SUPPORT OUR PARAS is the only charity which exists solely to support The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, looking after veterans, serving soldiers and families within our Airborne community.”
Donations can be made online by CLICKING HERE
