British troops in Afghanistan take up Sport Relief challenge

The ten servicemen and women undertaking the challenge are from Task Force Helmand, based in Lashkar Gah. Their role in theatre is to provide clerical and technical support to the headquarters staff and the Commander, Brigadier James Cowan.

However, for the next ten days, they will begin a challenge which will see them waking up at 0530hrs to cycle 60km per day and then row the remaining distance to mark crossing the English Channel.

Sergeant Kristen Pierson-Taylor, who organised the event, said they just wanted to give something back to those who are in need of help:

"The people back in the UK have shown and continue to give fantastic support to British troops both at home and abroad. I just wanted to do something that would allow us to help others."

Sgt Pierson-Taylor has almost finished her first operational tour of Afghanistan. She has been in the military for 18 years as part of the Adjutant General's Corps and admits that an additional impetus for the event is a competitive streak that exists amongst military personnel. She added:

"Being in the military, we are always looking for an extra physical challenge. Raising money to help others seemed a fitting way to combine the two."

Another target is fitness, but they have to make sure that they don't lose too much weight. They have worked out that 60km is equivalent to burning over 1,500 calories. The team will be fitting in the 5,800km around their regular operational commitments:

"We get on our exercise bikes in the gymnasium at Lashkar Gah at the crack of dawn every day to complete 30km before work. The remaining 30km is done before dinner," said Sgt Pierson-Taylor.

Unsurprisingly, a competitive spirit has emerged between the team. There is already a heated contest for the fastest time.

The team are so far on target to reach their goal. They are aiming to raise £1,500. Between donation boxes on camp and their website, the donations have already started coming in.

Sgt Pierson-Taylor added:

"A big thank you must go to the Headmaster David Hoggins of Farnham Heath End School, Farnham, in Surrey, for their pledge; the school donated £900.

"It will go a long way in assisting us to reach our target. This is a local school to our Brigade Headquarters. A number of military children attend here and all of whom are made to feel very welcome."

If you want to donate to the charity cycle challenge you can do so by logging on to the website at Related Links.