Two Rutland soldiers will take on a gruelling 24-hour triathlon to raise money for SSAFA, helping support veterans, serving servicepeople and their families over Christmas who experience loneliness. 

Sergeant Amy Lewer of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps and Lance Corporal Caleb Best of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps will undertake a 24-hour triathlon to raise £1,000 for army charity SSAFA on 3rd December. 

Sgt Lewer and LCpl Best will be completing a 24-hour long triathlon, where one will complete an hour of running, swimming or cycling while the other rests. 

They hope to raise £1,000 for charity SSAFA, which provides welfare and wellbeing support to the UK's Armed Forces family by helping veterans, serving personnel and families through their most difficult times. 

For those in the Armed Forces, Christmas can be a tough time of year as serving personnel may be deployed far from home and veterans may feel isolated from family and old friends. Families also feel the distance of those who are needed in service this time of year. 

According to the SSAFA, "For our Armed Forces family, Christmas is a bittersweet time of year. While some come together, others can feel the distance – either physically or emotionally – more deeply." 

Sgt Lewer has served in the Army for 11 years, joining as a dog handler. This is where she met LCpl Best.  

The pair began training for triathlons together earlier in the year, with Amy a seasoned triathlete and Caleb being new to the sport. 

"I know times away from family friends can be tough," said Sgt Lewer, "but it's especially difficult to be separated over Christmas. It's a time for reflection and togetherness, so we wanted to show members of the Armed Forces – whether serving or veteran; far from home or surrounded by loved ones- that you are never forgotten." 

To support Amy and Caleb's brilliant fundraising effort, click the link here to visit their dedicated fundraising page. 

For information on how to access SSAFA's support, visit their Leicestershire and Rutland website here.