Soldier's death inspires Barnsley man to complete 200-mile charity trek

A Barnsley military training instructor whose friend was killed in Afghanistan is to raise cash for a charity which supports the bereaved children of servicemen and women.
Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.
Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.

The military Nathan Cox, from Shafton, is preparing to complete the 200-mile Cape Wraith Trail in Scotland to raise cash for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which was set up in 2010 in memory of a fallen soldier.

The 28-year-old from Barnsley witnessed the devastation caused when a loved one failed to return home, after his friend Anthony Lombardi was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, leaving behind his partner and new born baby.

Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.
Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.
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It has inspired Nathan to raise money for the charity that helps children smile again following the loss of a parent.

His sponsored walk is expected to take him 12 days to complete.

He will be completing the challenge with five colleagues from The Army Foundation College.

Nathan said: “It’s going to be an extremely difficult event, I’ve never done anything like it before.

Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.
Nathan Cox, a local man from Barnsley, is raising money for a national children's military child.
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“Having lost Anthony and knowing that his baby will grow up without knowing his dad made me realise I had to do something to help families in similar situations. Scotty’s support offers families a lifeline. I hope we can make a considerable difference.”

Cape Wrath Trail, known as Britain’s toughest trail, is a 200-mile challenge taking walkers across the North West coast of Scotland and through glens and mountains.

Stuart Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said: “We wish Nathan and his team the very best of luck and can’t wait to hear how they got on.

“We have our fingers crossed that they can reach their 12-day goal.

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“We’re extremely grateful to all those who fundraise for Scotty’s and it is because of them that we are able to carry out our valuable work and help children who have been through the worst look towards a brighter future. If you’re considering fundraising for Scotty’s, we would love to hear from you.”

To sponsor Nathan visit www.justgiving.com/Nathan-Cox21.

Visit www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk to find out more about the charity he is raising money for.