THE mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan is planning to tackle her own Army-style yomp to raise cash to help former servicemen and women.

Caroline Whitaker, whose son Gareth Thursby, a sergeant in the Yorkshire Regiment, died in September 2012, aged 29, is planning to take on the Cateran Yomp, a 54-mile cross-country walking challenge in Scotland over 24 hours, from June 13.

Sgt Thursby was a former South Craven School pupil who was brought up in Skipton The walk is in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund and participants have to raise £400 each so they are looking for sponsors.

“There are six of use doing it together, including a girl who lost her brother and another girl whose brother was injured,” said Caroline.

“I’m raising money to help the ABF because they give long-time support to any soldier injured in any way and also support to the families.

Caroline said: “After we lost Gareth, the ABF funded a course of counselling for me. So I guess you could say, if it wasn’t for them I may not be here now.”

Meanwhile, she will hold has organised a coffee morning at Skipton Odd Fellows club on Saturday, February 28, also for ABFon behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund.

“We’ve had masses of gifts so we’ll be holding a big raffle. We hope lots of people will support us,” said Caroline.Anyone wanting To support Caroline, shouldContact her by send her an e-mail at lotty944@live.co.uk.