On a mission

GOOD cause: ex-commando Bernard Cummins is yomping for two days over Dartmoor

Former soldier proves he has moor to offer...
A FORMER commando will be “yomping” over backwards for a cause close to his heart this bank holiday weekend.

Bernard Cummins (52) is about to embark on a gruelling 60-mile journey across Dartmoor over two days in aid of The Forces Children’s Trust.

The ex-gunner soldier from the 29 Commando Regiment will endure his heavy backpack for the yomp — Royal Marines slang for a long-distance march carrying full kit.

The Royton fundraiser will join former commandos and friends for the slog from the north of the moors in Okehampton, Devon, to the south at Royal Citadel, Plymouth — where the regiment is based.

He said: “The challenge was done last year, but I was unable to do it, so this year is my first time.

“It is for a very good cause and the charity does a great job.

“A friend of mine lost his nephew, Andrew Howarth, of The Queen’s Royal Lancers, by a bomb explosion in Afghanistan last year.

“It cannot replace losing someone, but the support by charities like Help For Heroes and The Forces Children’s Trust can go some way to help.”

Bernard, of Shaw Street, served in tours across the world, including Belize, Norway and Germany.

The current regiment are serving their country in Afghanistan and are due to return home in September.

The Forces Children’s Trust is a charity devoted to helping children whose father or mother has died, or has been seriously injured, while serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.

If anyone would like to support Bernard, they should visit www.justgiving.com/dartmoor-north-to-south.