Local residents Richard Newton and Ellie Charman, gear up for an epic 3,000 mile rally adventure in aid of national military charity, SSAFA.

Stepping on the gas will be Richard and Ellie, from Epsom and West Ewell as they take on a fast-paced driving experience through the UK and Europe to raise money for SSAFA, the nation’s longest serving military charity that helps 50,000 people every year.

On the 27th June, Richard and Ellie and 50 other participants will become a driving force for charity as they 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. 

SSAFA provides military support to families of bereaved and injured service personnel who have been affected by recent conflicts.

In addition to the personal commitments that Richard and Ellie are making, they have pledged to raise over £2,000.

Richard says, “Although I've never been in any armed services, I'm a left leg above knee amputee.

"I know on a personal level how much help and support is needed, this isn't just for the injured serviceman, but how much the family are affected.

"SSAFA and Rally for heroes are doing a great job in raising funds to help all that need their support."

They will be using Richards own 2004 BMW E46 M3 for the rally.

Jim Morrison, Regional Fundraising Manager for SSAFA, continues, “Rally for Heroes is a challenge and endurance event with an honourable cause. Richard, Ellie 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.”

Also joining Richard and Ellie will be ex-Army Paratrooper, Jamie Hull, who will be taking the driving seat in the SSAFA car.

Jamie received 60% third degree burns, ruptured his large intestine and lacerated his liver, when he leapt off the wing of his aircraft in 2007 just minutes after it had burst into flames and just before the plane crashed to the ground.

"SSAFA helped him and his mum, Shirley, whilst he spent the next two years recovering in hospital, where he underwent over 50 operations. He was initially given only a 5% chance of surviving and now he’s fighting fit and back on the road.

“When I found out Rally for Heroes was in aid of SSAFA, I was immediately interested. The connection became a personal one for me.”

“SSAFA directly supported my mum when I was seriously ill in hospital, helping her out with accommodation, travel and food expenses. If they had not supported her needs, she would not have been able to give me her full attention. It’s only now do I realise what a profound effect that had on me and my recovery.”

To support Richard and Ellie visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/KDF For more information, please contact Richard on 07535420017 or visit our website www.rallyforheroes.com.