Ian Gough to join Army's Fund-Raising Effort

Newport Gwent Dragon's Ian Gough will join members of the British Army in taking on the Wesh Highland Way to raise funds for the Hire A Hero charity.

Gough is a patron of the charity and will join two British Army personnel, one year after he attempted to scale Mount Elbrus, and they will attempt to complete the 96-mile walk.

The former Ospreys, London Irish and Wales second row will be taking on the challenge as his Dragons colleagues have a rest week from pre-season training.

"It’s my week off, we’ve come off a big pre-season block into a week of ‘R & R’ and straight in to this which I’m not complaining about," he said.
 
"I’m actually looking forward to the banter, you see the best in people when they are under stress - and that will be me after two days with blisters coming off a pre-season block," he added.

The four-day walk is the brainchild of Staff Sergeant Jamie Falconer.

"The route is commonly walked in seven to eight days, we intend to condense this to four days, with 20 kilograms plus our daily food and drinking water," he explains.
 
"Individuals who attempts the route in four days tend to cycle parts and walk others.

"I can find no details of any challenge like the one we wish to complete."

Nevertheless, Gough is undaunted as he prepares to try to make history.

"I’m looking forward to it, it will be fun but tough and raising money for a good cause, Scotland is a lovely place so it’s a joy to get up there."

To support those taking on the walk by donating, click here