ABF North East and Yorkshire

29/08/2026

A fantastic day on the fairways for ABF North East and Yorkshire.

Yesterday, 34 teams of four gathered at Gosforth Golf Club, Newcastle, for our annual charity golf competition, organised by our North East Committee Chairman, Captain (Retired) Billy Perkins.

With fingers crossed, the weather was kind to us. Apart from a couple of drops of rain, conditions were excellent throughout the day and the odd shower certainly did not dampen anyone's spirits.

The result was a thoroughly enjoyable event that raised an astonishing £6,696.70 for the Army Benevolent Fund, supporting soldiers, veterans and their families when they need us most. In fact, donations came in so strongly that Billy had to revise the fundraising target several times during the day.

Congratulations to our winning team (pictured) from North Eastern Composites Ltd, who secured victory with an impressive score of 112 in the two-from-four-to-count format.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who played, sponsored, donated and supported the event. Days like this are only possible because of the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters.

Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to Billy for organising yet another hugely successful competition and bringing together so many people in support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

The final image in this post contains the full results.

27/08/2026

Challenge Complete!

After three tough days on the trail, the Scots Guards team have successfully completed the 96-mile West Highland Way, carrying Frank, their 50kg casualty dummy, all the way from Milngavie to Fort William.

Arriving in Fort William just before 8pm last night, the team received a warm welcome from members of the Scots Guards Highlands and Islands Association Branch, marking the end of an incredible challenge.

96 miles. 3 days. One 50kg casualty.

Along the way they've battled sore feet, aching knees, blisters and countless midges, but thanks to their determination, resilience and teamwork, they've crossed the finish line.

An enormous thank you must also go to the support crew who kept the team fuelled, motivated and moving throughout the challenge.

Most importantly, they've done it all in support of the Scots Guards Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund and Men Matter Scotland, helping those who need it most.

So far, the team have raised a whopping £6,355.73. The fundraising page will remain open for the next couple of weeks, so there's still time to donate and support these fantastic charities:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ross-trainer-1

On behalf of all three charities, thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, followed and supported the team throughout their journey.

Congratulations, team. Carrying a 50kg casualty dummy for 96 miles in just three days is an extraordinary achievement and one you should all be immensely proud of.

27/08/2026

***Tickets go on sale on 1 September***

Join us at the Durham Festival of Remembrance 2026, organised by the Army Benevolent Fund and held in the historic surroundings of Durham Cathedral.

This year's theme, Freedom, Service, Duty, will be explored through a moving programme of music, narration and reflection, culminating in the iconic Act of Remembrance and cascade of poppy petals from the Cathedral tower.

Tickets sell quickly each year, so now is the time to plan ahead.

Find out more and be ready to book:

https://armybenevolentfund.org/events/durham-festival-of-remembrance-2026/

Join the Army Benevolent Fund's Durham Festival of Remembrance 2026 at Durham Cathedral, featuring Carol Malia and a moving programme of remembrance.

25/08/2026

💂‍♂️West Highland Way Challenge Update: 72 Miles Down, 24 To Go!

We've just received an evening update from the team, and they continue to impress as they take on this remarkable challenge.

Yesterday, the team covered an outstanding 41 miles, stopping at Balmaha to refuel before pushing on to their overnight camp at Beinglas Farm, Inverarnan. After a well-earned rest, they stepped off again this morning ready to tackle the next stage of their journey.

By 2200hrs this evening, they will have completed a further 31 miles, reaching Kings House Hotel, Glencoe, where they'll be wild camping for the night. That means they will have covered an incredible 72 miles in just two days, all whilst carrying Frank, their 50kg casualty dummy.

The team remain in good spirits. There are a few sore feet and aching knees beginning to make themselves known, but their determination remains as strong as ever. Thankfully, the weather has continued to be kind to them, helping them make excellent progress through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

We've loved receiving the updates and photos from along the route. They really capture the scale of the challenge and showcase the breathtaking landscapes the team are passing through. Frank also appears to be enjoying the fantastic Scottish scenery, and so are we.

Tomorrow marks the final push.

The team will step off again at 0600hrs to tackle the remaining 24 miles to Fort William and complete their remarkable 96-mile West Highland Way challenge.

If you're in the area tomorrow and happen to see the team, please give them a cheer. A few words of encouragement could make all the difference during those final miles.

Most importantly, they're undertaking this challenge to raise vital funds for the Scots Guards Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund and Men Matter Scotland, helping to support serving personnel, veterans, military families and men facing mental health challenges.

With just one day remaining, now is the perfect time to show your support 🙏
Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/ross-trainer-1

Good luck to the team and support crew for the final leg. Fort William is now within touching distance.

72 miles down. 24 miles to go. One final push.

24/08/2026

They're off!.....

At 0500hrs this morning, a determined team from the Scots Guards stepped off from Milngavie, the official start of the West Highland Way, to begin an extraordinary challenge. Over the next three days, they will tab the full 96 miles to Fort William whilst carrying "Frank", their 50kg casualty dummy, representing the extraction of a wounded comrade from the battlefield.

This challenge will demand exceptional endurance, resilience and teamwork, but they won't be facing it alone. Supporting them every step of the way is a fantastic support crew who will be on hand throughout the journey to keep the team fuelled, provide essential support, and set up camp at the end of each day.

Yesterday, we were delighted to visit the team at their camp in Catterick Garrison to wish them the very best of luck before they set off on their adventure. The determination and commitment on display was inspiring, and we know they will do themselves proud.

Don't worry, you'll be able to follow their progress. We'll be sharing daily updates over the next three days so you can see how the team is getting on as they take on this incredible test of physical and mental resilience.

Most importantly, this challenge is raising funds for three fantastic charities:

💂‍♂️ Scots Guards Charity
⭐Army Benevolent Fund
❤️Men Matter Scotland

Together, these charities provide vital support to serving personnel, veterans, military families and men experiencing mental health challenges.

If you'd like to show your support, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps make a difference and will give the team an extra boost as they tackle the miles ahead.

Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/ross-trainer-1

Good luck to the entire team and support crew. Stay safe, stay strong, and we'll be following every mile of the journey.

20/08/2026

To recognise the achievements of the Army’s junior soldiers and underline the ABF’s enduring support for the whole Army family, we are delighted to sponsor the Pace Stick presented to the Junior Regimental Sergeant Major at Army Foundation College Harrogate.

Earlier this month, Brigadier Andy Garner, Commandant Soldier Academy, presented Junior RSM Monasterska with a miniature engraved Pace Stick at the most recent Graduation parade. A full sized version of the ABF-sponsored award is retained by the College.

Read the full story. 👉 https://armybenevolentfund.org/abf-celebrates-junior-soldiers-at-afc-harrogate/

14/08/2026

💪 96 miles. 3 days. One 50kg casualty 💂‍♂️

A team from the Scots Guards is preparing to take on an extraordinary challenge: completing the 96-mile West Highland Way in just three days whilst carrying a 50kg casualty dummy, "Frank", to represent the extraction of a wounded comrade from the battlefield.

This incredible effort is raising funds for the Scots Guards Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund, and Men Matter Scotland. Together, these charities provide vital support to serving personnel, veterans, military families, and men facing mental health challenges.

Their challenge will test endurance, resilience and teamwork to the limit. But now they need our support.

Please help them make every mile count by donating and sharing their fundraiser🙏

Donate here👉: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ross-trainer-1

13/08/2026

Just one month to go until the Great North Run!

As part of our countdown to race day, we'd like you to meet one of our fantastic runners, Claudia.

Claudia only took up running at the beginning of last summer. Looking for a new challenge, she entered the Great North Run ballot but wasn't successful in securing a place. Determined to take part, she chose to run for a charity close to her heart, the Army Benevolent Fund.

With her husband, Phil, having served in the Army for more than 24 years, Claudia understands how important it is to support soldiers, veterans and their families when they need help most. Raising funds for ABF gives her the opportunity to give something back to the Army family.

Training for her first half marathon is no small feat. Claudia is following a 16-week Couch to Half Marathon plan and is being supported every step of the way by Phil, who proudly ran the Great North Run for Team ABF last year and will be taking part again this year.

As race day gets closer, Claudia is looking forward to experiencing the incredible atmosphere of the world's greatest half marathon and crossing that famous finish line in South Shields.

Good luck, Claudia and Phil, and thank you for supporting the Army family!

12/08/2026

A great example of determination, teamwork, and support for the Army Family.

On 8 July 2026, Serjeant Owen Pettican, from the The Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, organised a remarkable golfing marathon at Catterick Golf Club. Starting at 5am, the team took on the challenge of completing four full rounds of golf in a single day, covering almost marathon distance on foot in the process.

Their efforts raised an outstanding £409.02 for the Army Benevolent Fund, helping us continue providing lifelong support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.

A huge thank you to Owen and everyone who took part in the challenge. Your commitment, resilience, and generosity, are greatly appreciated, and every pound raised will help make a real difference to members of the Army Family.

Could you manage four rounds of golf in a single day? Let us know in the comments!

11/08/2026

⭐Run. Support. Sign up today⭐

On Sunday 11 October, the Richmond Castle 10k returns, and this year we're proud to be the charity partner.

When you enter, you'll be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army's National Charity, while enjoying a fantastic route through the beautiful surroundings of Richmond, one of Yorkshire's most historic market towns. With stunning views, a welcoming atmosphere and great support around the course, it's a race not to be missed.

✅ Fantastic course in and around historic Richmond
✅ Friendly marshals cheering you on every step of the way
✅ Spot prizes up for grabs on the day
✅ Discount for military runners
✅ Exclusive event t-shirt if you enter before 31 August

Whether you're chasing a PB, taking on your first 10K, or simply looking for a great day out, now's the time to enter.

Secure your place today:
https://bookitzone.com/richmondcastle10k/BrjFFX

Enter before 31 August to claim your event t-shirt and join us on 10 October, all while helping support soldiers, veterans and their families through the Army Benevolent Fund.



BFBS Catterick Army in the North Headquarters Catterick Garrison Scots Guards 6 Regiment RLC 21 Engineer Regiment 32 Engineer Regiment 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery - The Yorkshire Gunners The Royal Yorkshire Regiment The Royal Lancers Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers - REME 3 Medical Regiment The Light Dragoons The Infantry Training Centre