SOLDIERS raised more than £3,500 for charity after undertaking a ‘100 Year’ memorial challenge in tribute to those who lost their lives in the Great War a century ago.

The team of sappers from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) carried out 100 hours of back-breaking exercise over five days and nights on Vauxhall Fields in Monmouth in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Every hour they did a timed 3.2km march with 20kg on their backs, then carried another 40kg in two jerry cans over 150m before lifting 35kg weights five times, including in howling wind and rain.

Staff Sergeant Gareth Heycock of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, who organised the challenge, said the support the soldiers had received was “truly amazing.”

“I am truly touched and wish to thank everyone who supported us over the last five days and donated so generously.”

He said the challenge, from Tuesday, November 6, to Saturday, November 11, tested both the physical and mental ability of each participant, who also had to battle a lack of sleep.

Training Major Mike Schofield said: “The challenge the team set themselves was very physically and mentally challenging.

“We are so proud of them all, especially as they had to compete against horrendous weather and unrelenting tiredness.”

Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) is the British Army’s oldest existing Reserve regiment, dating back to at least 1539, and is the only surviving Militia unit

To support the fundraiser, search for ‘Pete’s 100 Hour Challenge’ on www.justgiving.com