Twelve members of the RAF Reserves Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron will tackle the daunting task of marching along Britain’s oldest road in the hope of raising £10,000 for Help For Heroes and Troop Aid.

The aim is to walk 87.5 miles along the Ridgeway from Ivinghoe Beacon in Bedfordshire to Overton Hill in Wiltshire in just over two days, finishing in time to march into the squadron’s home at RAF Lyneham during the Station Families’ Day on August 7.

The mission is being organised by medical support officer and RAF Reserves squadron leader Colin Mathieson, who works as a commercial director in his civilian career. He said: “The response from members of my unit when I suggested this charity event was mixed.

“Almost 88 miles in just over two days is going to be incredibly tough, and raising £10,000 is a very big ask. The team of 12 volunteers has been training hard and now the work of raising the money starts in earnest.

“I am sure we will all doubt our sanity along the way, but knowing the money we raise will make such a difference to many of the casualties we treat will get us through it.”

While most members of the squadron work for the NHS, some work for other organisations and train and qualify with the RAF Reserves as a medic.

To sponsor the squadron visit either www.justgiving. com/MarchtheRidgeway2010 to donate to Troop Aid or www.justgiving.com/MarchtheRidgeway to donate to Help for Heroes.