Long hike for Heroes

Mark joined his uncle, David Champness, for the route march between Croydon and Newhaven.

They undertook the two-day challenge for Help for Heroes carrying 45kg packs. They hope to have raised several hundred pounds to make up for the aches and pains from their marathon trek.

Mark, 16, of Greenwood Avenue, said: "It was the first time I had ever done anything like this. It was very tough. We struggled to get up some of the hills because the weight of our packs was pulling us backwards.

"But it was definitely worthwhile. There is no doubt some of the soldiers need Help for Heroes when they come back from serving overseas."

Mark has just left Bognor Regis Community College after taking nine GCSEs. He is applying to join the Army to follow in a family tradition.

"I have wanted to do it for a while," he said. "It's the best thing for me."

Meanwhile, he is helping out at Cafe Red in Station Road and working on the tills at Tesco on Shripney Road.

It was his boss at Cafe Red, Jay Bull, who suggested Mark and his uncle should use their plans for a long walk to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Mark did only a minimal amount of training and suffered a twisted ankle, a pulled hamstring and severe sunburn for his efforts.

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