Fifteen members of the Coldstream Guards will be competing in one of the toughest multi-stage running challenges in the world.  In October 2021, 10 serving Guardsmen and 5 Veterans will join together to run the Ultra X Jordan. Each team member will run a gruelling 250km, equivalent to over 6 marathons, over 5 long days through the Wadi Rum Desert, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia, in temperatures of up to 34°C.  The team will also be competing in the Centurion 50km virtual race in April and the demanding 100km Serpent Trail in July to build up to Jordan in October and we need your help along the way!  This massive challenge is not a light-hearted undertaking; it will require dedicated training throughout the year and is our effort to raise funds and help those members of the Coldstream family who have suffered life-changing injuries in recent years. We will be fundraising through the Coldstream Guards Regimental Charitable Fund to help veterans in need but we will be supporting two individuals in particular:  Lee Midgley (31 years old) Whilst serving in a sniper team, Lee was moving through dangerous ground in an attempt to set up overwatch for his mates. He was trying to protect the rest of the Guardsmen when he stepped on a hidden pressure plate.  The IED exploded with immense force and Lee’s catastrophic injuries were tended to by those in the immediate vicinity, including Richard French and Charlie Finn who are running in the veterans team, whilst the rest of his team prepared to fight off the inevitable ambush.   Lee suffered terrible injuries and lost both his legs up to his hip. He also lost half of his right hand and metal fragments lodged themselves in most of his major organs including his heart. Lee also suffered a brain injury and wounds to his face and nose.  Ben Hilton (38 years old) Like Lee, Ben was providing protection for his mates when he was blown up. Ben was out in front of a patrol, working in a pair scouring the ground for hidden bombs when he stepped on an IED.  Ben lost one leg below the knee immediately. Once again, the Guardsmen around him administered first aid and attempted to move him to a safer location. This was when Sergeant John Amer, leading from the front, stepped on a further IED.  This injured the entire stretcher party including Mark Cylde and Greg Dunnings, both members of the Veterans support team for Jordan.  Due to the second blast, Ben lost both legs above the knee. John Amer was tragically killed.  — All money raised will be spent immediately, following the event, on supporting both Lee (who needs a hoist for his wheelchair) and Ben (who needs some adaptations to his kitchen). Any excess funds from your kind donations, Regimental Trustees will allocate to individuals in similar need and you will be kept updated by email, if you agree to follow our progress throughout the year! This is an immense challenge for us with Coldstream competitors from all ranks, walks of life and with something unique to bring to the event. The veterans have all served in Afghanistan and all carry their own injuries - please have a look at our individual fundraising pages.  Please help us make life a little easier for our fellow Guardsmen who have sacrificed so much and who need our continuing help and support for the rest of their lives. This event is an incredible adventure for those undertaking the challenge and we hope you can come along for the ride and support us by donating.  Please follow our social media for updates along the way! Thank you.   https://coldstreamguards.org.uk/pages/charity https://ultra-x.co/jordan/ http://www.serpenttrailrace.com  https://www.centurionrunning.com