The South Tyneside teens who ran 20 miles carrying 20kg backpack for vital causes during coronavirus crisis

Hebburn army cadets Aaron Robertson-McDowell, 16 and Peter Hamilton, 17, challenged themselves to run 20 miles while each carrying a backpack weighing 20kg, on Friday, May 15.

Known as a TAB (Tactical Advance to Battle) in the military – a term for walking at a fast pace with a weighted rucksack – the mission took them through Jarrow, Pelaw and Hebburn where they finished on the riverside, completing the race in an impressive four hours and 10 minutes.

The former St Joseph’s Academy pupils have now raised more than £1,000 which will be split between local food bank Hebburn Helps and the NHS Charities Together fund.

Having recently left school, both boys are due to join Army College in Harrogate in September and wanted to use their skills to do some good during the current crisis.

Aaron, who lives in Hebburn said: “The organisations which we chose are vital for people both locally and nationally and we wanted to do our bit to help.

“My family have strong ties to Hebburn Helps, and as a lot of people are losing their jobs in the area at the moment we felt it was important to support a local food bank.

He added: “On a national level, we wanted to recognise the amazing job that the NHS and key workers are doing at the moment.”

The boys were accompanied by former Rifles veteran and local fitness Instructor L/Cpl Gary Richards from Jarrow, who ensured they completed the challenge safely and effectively.

“We’re extremely proud and are over the moon that we did completed it,” continued Aaron.

“It was a great experience, we really enjoyed doing it even though it was quite challenging and takes quite a lot of fitness, particularly as we were going at quite a quick pace.”

Both boys thanked the community for helping them to raise more than double their target of £500.

Aaron said: “The support we have had has been incredible, we want to thank everyone for helping us smash our target.”

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