FOUR former Army officers with an average age of 74 trekked 100 kilometres in under 30 hours for charity.

Paul French, 79, Richard McAllister, 78, Chris Green, 71 and John Stokoe, 69, took part in the Gurkha Welfare Trust Trailwalker challenge at the end of July.

Most of the team, the Pukka Burhos or ‘proper old boys’, completed the South Down’s course in 28 hours and 59 minutes, well within the 30 hour requirement.

Paul French, a retired lieutenant colonel, said that apart from being a little fatigued he felt fine after a couple of good night’s rest following the long- distance walk.

He said: “I served with the Gurkha Transport Regiment in the Brigade of Gurkhas in Malaya, Singapore, Borneo and Hong Kong “I support the Gurkha Welfare Trust because they’re great soldiers and I hope to give back some thing to those who gave so much.”

All four men served in the Far East and made their way from Queen Elizabeth Park, Petersfield and finished at Brighton Race Course.

Unfortunately one team member, Mr McAllister, fell heavily as rain made conditions underfoot hazardous and was unable to complete the charity challenge.

Mr French, of Abbotts Ann, added: “I’ve never done that distance before in my life and I trained very hard throughout the whole year.

“They said it was the equivalent of climbing Snowdon and Ben Nevis.

“I certainly feel it’s a good achievement.”

The grandfather-of-six added that although he has not completed a challenge like this before, he has finished 15 marathons, including the London Marathon just seven years ago with two of his grandsons.

Money raised from Trailwalker, organised with the Queen’s Gurkha Signals, goes towards Oxfam as well as the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

So far each member has raised about £1,000 for the charities.

Visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/paulfrench2