Boot camp challenge in aid of hero troops

Employees at a college in Colchester recently took part in a boot camp challenge as part of efforts to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Colchester Institute students and staff nominated the charity as their chosen cause for 2011 and have held a number of fundraising activities to generate cash for injured soldiers.

The boot camp saw 15 members of staff undertake a number of physical challenges under the watchful eye of Brett Bowen of Colchester Boot Camps, the Daily Gazette reports.

Colchester Institute corporate services and finance director Gary Horn raised £60 from sponsorship by taking part in the challenge.

Other activities pushed the total of money raised to around £500.

Earlier this month, Kati Vardon of Colchester Institute, said: "The college is delighted to be able to help this good cause. Living and working in a garrison town is a constant reminder of the work and bravery of our armed forces."

Help for Heroes is also set to benefit from a tandem skydive being undertaken by a grandfather from Poole to mark his 80th birthday.

John Gallagher will leap from a plane at a height of 12,000 ft to raise money for the charity, the Bournemouth Echo reported.

Posted by Simon Williams