Sidmouth man’s epic trek for war heroes

A BORN and bred Sidmouth man has appealed to his hometown for support in a bid to boost soldiers and army veterans.

A BORN and bred Sidmouth man has appealed to his hometown for support in a bid to boost soldiers and army veterans.

Tim Treloar, now an outdoor adventure and army preparation tutor at Hartpury College in Gloucester, has organised a five-day charity trek along a stretch of the Jurassic Coast next month to raise cash for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).

Tim and fifteen of his students, aged 16 to 18, will walk and run from Studland to Exmouth between January 9 and 14. Tim, who was heavily involved with Sid Vale scout group and the town’s football and rugby clubs when he grew up in Sidmouth, said the kind-hearted Seward family have sponsored the group with Dukes hotel accommodation and a free breakfast when they stay in the town.

“We are hoping to raise a significant amount through collections, fundraising events and raffles and managed to raise �1,200 in just one day,” Tim told the Herald.

“We’ve managed to raise �3,000 so far. As we will be staying in Sidmouth we would like to invite all the locals to come out and show their support.

“These students are an excellent example to anyone questioning the youth of today and just how altruistic with time, money and effort they are.

“It just shows that the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ element of the 1940-45 years is not totally lost on these young adults.”

The ABF offers lifetime support to serving soldiers and veterans.