Army veteran from Livingston taking on gruelling challenge in memory of comrade
The Livingston army sergeant is taking on a gruelling 2,650-mile journey
An army sergeant from Livingston is taking on a gruelling charity challenge inspired by his close friend with whom he served.
Army reservist Sergeant Brian Hughes is tackling a 2,650-mile journey across North America’s most challenging terrain after losing his comrade to suicide last year.
The 47-year-old is attempting to complete the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from the Mexican border to Canada, to raise funds for veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
Few hikers complete the full challenge, which involves spending months traversing scorching desert heat, snow-covered alpine passes and intense physical and emotional strain.
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He said: “This isn’t something you can take on lightly. Last year, a friend I served with took his own life. That made the decision for me.”
A dog walker in his civilian life, Hughes served for more than 22 years across both the Regular Army and the Reserves, completing operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He has already made it nearly 500 miles into the gruelling five-month-long challenge, having set of on March 23.
Along the way, Brian plans to push himself even further, tasking himself with climbing the highest peak in the continental United States, and attempting a 24-hour endurance push to see how far he can travel in a single day.
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He said: “I’ve spent years preparing, testing kit, researching the route, and building up experience through long distance hikes and climbing Scottish Munros.
“I’ve completed the West Highland Way and the Tour du Mont Blanc, and all of that has helped me get ready for what lies ahead.”
Brian is documenting his progress on his YouTube channel and hopes to raise £2,650 for Combat Stress, £1 for every mile.
“I know that every pound I raise will help Combat Stress support veterans who are fighting battles people can’t always see, and if I can help even one of them then the journey will be worth every gruelling mile,” he said.