DUDLEY military hero Karl Hinett and fellow veterans are to embark on a trek across the Arctic as part of a campaign to shine a spotlight on mental health in the armed forces.
Twenty years after suffering severe burns injuries following an attack on his tank in Iraq, the former British Army soldier has teamed up with fellow veterans who have publicly highlighted their struggles with mental health.
Launching the campaign, in association with armed forces charity SSAFA, Karl said he’s looking forward to the Project Fire and Ice adventure with Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox, Aldo Kane and Brian Wood MC which will take place in March 2025.
Karl, who has committed himself to running marathons – taking home a silver medal in the 1500-metre race at the 2018 Invictus Games in Australia, said of the challenge ahead: “I’m excited to be here with three highly respected guys from across the military about to embark on an adventure into the Arctic.
“Although some of our stories are more extreme, there are so many in the military who need support both with their physical and mental health.
“Whether encouraging others to take on their own challenge, or to raise money to support military families across the country, this is bigger than just a 10-day, 500km Arctic expedition.”
Project Fire and Ice is a self-supported ultra-challenge trek that will take the team on a 500km unsupported Arctic expedition through the snow and ice of Swedish Lapland - dragging sleds containing all of their equipment and supplies needed to complete the challenge.
Former Royal Marine Commando turned TV personality Jason Fox, who has taken on a number of ultra challenges, said: “When I heard about the expedition I jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s a privilege to be supporting SSAFA, the armed forces charity, as they deliver vital support and services for veterans and forces families allowing them to thrive.
“We are all no stranger to pushing ourselves and putting our bodies through stress and pain. However, although I’m sure there’ll be tough days, when you add into the mix the great team we have on the ice with Aldo, Brian and Karl – there’ll be a lot of fun along the way.”
Aldo Kane, a former Royal Marines Commando Sniper turned extreme adventurer, added: “I’m a true believer in positive mental health. Building resilience in the mind helps us to achieve the seemingly impossible – and helps protect us when things get tough. That’s going to be key when we get out onto the ice.”
Brian Wood MC, a former soldier with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment who was awarded the Military Cross in the 2004 Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq, said of the challenge: “When those frozen arctic winds kick in, it’ll be the team around us, and the thought of supporting other veterans through SSAFA, that will keep us going.”
Training events will be scheduled between now and next March when the team will head off for what promises to be one of the toughest challenges they have faced.
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