Monster march

Alan Stott (front, right) and colleagues get in some practise . . . pursued by the Loch Ness Monster

AFTER a six-month tour fighting for Queen and country in Afghanistan, Shaw’s Alan Stott could be forgiven for taking it easy.

But instead the dedicated soldier is to tackle a gruelling duathlon event for charity — while being weighed down by his army kit.

Sgt Stott hopes his intensive training will make a pussycat of the First Monster Challenge, a 120km team relay around the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland.

He will be joined by seven colleagues in battling the Monster event to raise funds for injured soldiers on September 13.

Each of the super-fit soldiers will run 10km and cycle 20km while wearing their uniform, including boots and rucksacks weighing 15 kgs.

The former Grange Comprehensive School pupil said: “We’re really looking forward to the event.

“ The whole team ethos of the First Monster Challenge is a perfect fit for what the Army is all about — team work and team spirit.

“All the boys taking part have recently returned from six months in Afghanistan and we wanted to take this opportunity to raise funds for Help for Heroes, a charity that supports soldiers injured in the line of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

The challenge has been organised by transport firm FirstGroup, and communications director Paul Moore said: “These guys must be extremely fit. Many of our competitors found it tough taking on the Monster last year. However, the thought of substituting trainers for boots, shorts and T-shirt for a uniform and carrying 15kg would bring tears to their eyes!

“They are great representatives of the British Army and are supporting a very worthwhile charity. We will be contributing £1,000 ourselves towards Help for Heroes in recognition of their efforts.”

The soldiers are based at Invicta Barracks in Maidstone, Kent, assigned to 36 Engineer Regiment, and are part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.