Fundraising soldiers arrive in Edinburgh after 700 mile march

Soldiers taking part in a 700 mile barefoot relay race, using a young girl’s favorite teddy as a baton, will arrive in the Capital next week.

Three members of 21 Engineer Regiment based in Ripon, Sergeant Max McGoon, Corporal Lee Connolly and Private Matty Haigh are taking part in the barefoot relay.

The barefoot challenge was inspired by Major Chris Brannigan who completed the same route by himself this summer in honour of his daughter Hasti who has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS).

There is currently no cure for this rare genetic condition and all money raised by the barefoot march will go towards research into treatments.

As a reminder of the young girl whom they march for the soldiers have been passing Hasti’s favourite soft toy Obama the Llama to each participant as they start their leg of the journey.

Having arrived in the Scottish Borders last week after passing through 19 counties the relay will finally finish in the Scottish Capital on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 125 soldiers.

More than 125 soldiers have taken part in this challenge and over £50,000 has been raised.

Maj Brannigan, who received a Pride of Britain award for his efforts over the summer said he has been ‘humbled’ by the actions of his fellow soldiers.

He said: “I’m so humbled that so many people have come together to take on this challenge to raise awareness and funds for CdLS, and to follow in the footsteps, of my gruelling 700-mile challenge to raise money for research and hopefully a treatment for my daughter and other children living with CdLS.”

“Watching Hasti’s favourite toy, Obama the Llama, being carried across the country by an army of volunteers is an incredible experience.”

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