Page 28 - LBV 2024

The Gurkha Welfare Trust Trailwalker 2024
On Friday 27th of September, a contingent from CUOTC gathered just off the south coast at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, preparing to embark on a 100km course that would take them along the South Downs Way and finish at Brighton Racecourse. The event originated from a Queens Gurkha Signals exercise held in Hong Kong in 1981 but is now co-hosted by the Gurka Welfare Trust and attracted over 270 civilian and military teams this year.
To date, this year’s iteration has raised over £200k, providing direct support
to Gurkha veterans and their Nepalese communities.
Following an evening of camping, socialising, and an inspiring performance from the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, the teams readied themselves at the start line for 0730 hours. CUOTC was represented by two teamswho were accompanied by three Officer Cadets who formed an additional support group. Both teams made steady progress over the undulating course, which contained over 2700m of elevation gain, and arrived at the 4th checkpoint well within the first 6 hours. At this stage, the teams began to separate and the Blue team led by
the CO, Lt Col Helsby, maintained an impressively steady pace, overtaking
a number of earlier starters. Similarly,
the Red team, led by WO2 Gurung, demonstrated impressive teamwork
as the technical nature of the terrain began to take its toll, limiting the pace as injuries arose.
As further checkpoints were reached, head torches were donned, and night began to fall. The teams had now been moving for over 12 hours, and fatigue began to set in. Owing to the incredible encouragement from the public, GWT volunteers, service members, and
the personal determination of the
participants, the teams never faltered and continued strongly through the remaining sections. In the early hours
of Sunday morning, the Blue team entered Brighton and crossed the line
to rapturous applause, finishing in a
time of 17hrs 50 mins. Having been presented with their medals and khata (traditional ceremonial scarf) by QGS Officers, the Blue team enjoyed a well- deserved Gurkha curry whilst the Red team pressed further on into the night. Around two hours later, the teams were reunited when the Red team crossed the
line themselves to similar celebrations in a time of 19hrs 51 mins.
Out of the 271 participating teams, CUOTC’s Blue team placed a very impressive 77th overall, less than six minutes behind the 4 Ranger Battalion team, whilst the Red team was also comfortably in the top half with a placing of 103rd. These results meant that CUOTC beat several regular and reserve army units as well as many experienced and local civilian teams, highlighting the dedication of the team’s training and preparation this summer. These results would also not have been possible without an excellent support team providing nutrition, motivation, and the transferrable skills of OCdt Laws’ physio degree at every checkpoint. The teams also wish to pass on their thanks to WO2 Gurung, the CO, and the other staff who facilitated our participation in such a wonderful event.
OCdt Backhouse