Former soldiers take on rally of a lifetime to raise cash for military charity

Two former Teesside soldiers are taking on the rally of their lives for servicemen and women who gave theirs.

Hugh McNulty, from Middlesbrough, and his co-driver Richard Gentry, originally from Redcar, have joined 49 other teams for the epic 3,000 mile adventure Rally for Heroes 2014.

The fast-paced driving experience through the UK and Europe aims to raise to raise £100,000 for SSAFA, the nation’s longest serving military charity that helps 50,000 people every year.

The 50 teams will navigate some of the most scenic and demanding driving routes in the world, through 11 countries in just eight days.

Every five miles of the rally represents the life of a serviceman or woman, who has fallen in combat since the start of the Afghanistan conflict.

As well as the £1,500 entry fee each team has to raise at least £1,000 for charity before setting off on the rally.

Said Hugh: “Having served over 22 years in the Army I have personally used the services of SSAFA. When no one else could help SSAFA stepped up immediately, they are the ultimate Service charity.”

As well as both being staunch Boro fans Hugh and Richard are both ex-Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Warrant Officer Class Ones.

Richard served for over 27 years and at one point trained Hugh when he first joined the Army.

Among the many sites the rally will take in, Hugh said one of the most poignant will be a visit to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Northern Germany, where a special memorial service will be held.

Hugh, who is on his third Rally for Heroes, added: “There are some amazing cars going this year, from a McLaren to a Rolls Royce Silver Phantom.”

The Teesside team will be in Hugh’s green Audi Convertible. The 50 teams were due to be waved off by Top Gear’s Vicki Butler-Henderson today from the start line at the Top Gear Test Track Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey.

Jim Morrison, regional fundraising manager for SSAFA, said: “Rally for Heroes is a challenge and endurance event with an honourable cause. Hugh and Richard and the Rally for Heroes team, just like our serving and ex-serving, are ordinary people doing something extraordinary for a cause they believe in.

“Together, SSAFA and Rally for Heroes are embarking on a journey to ensure that those who are no longer with us are never forgotten.”

To support Hugh and Richard visit http://ift.tt/1jRA8xJ