Trailwalking Heroes:
We talk to some of our dedicated Trailwalkers
This year over 240 teams will be tackling the Trailwalker, a gruelling 100km trek across the South Downs. As well as taking on this incredible physical and mental challenge, teams will be raising vital funds to support the Gurkha Welfare Trust. So far teams have collectively raised over £85,000 towards our target of £200,000 and fundraising activities continue apace as they reach the end of their training for the event.
We have been chatting to three of our ‘Trailwalker Heroes’ – for all of them this is not their first Trailwalker, in fact it is one of many!
“The Pukka Burhos” at Trailwalker 2022
Chris Green
Chris is a longstanding supporter of the GWT, having served with Gurkhas from 1970-74, including in Kathmandu where his son was born. This year Chris will be taking on his 7th Trailwalker at the age of 77. Since his first Trailwalker in 2015 he has raised over £10,000!
A highlight for Chris each year is the incredible atmosphere at the event, including the support from his family and friends. When faced with challenges along the trail, the enthusiastic volunteers at each checkpoint helped to keep team spirits high.
As a seasoned Trailwalker, Chris gives some valuable advice to those who are perhaps taking on the challenge for the first time.
“A steady pace is essential for non-racers. Don’t get lulled into taking longer breaks unless you have planned for that… Set a realistic target – to get the whole team to the finish in under 30 hours is a massive achievement. Anything quicker is a bonus.
Work out a plan based on the time to complete each stage, at a steady pace that everyone is comfortable with, and don’t forget to include rest time at checkpoints. Expect to slow down at night and after 50km. The weather may play an important part.”
Dilli flying the flag for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Dillikumar Rai
Major Dillikumar Rai MVO enlisted in the Armed Forces (Brigade of Gurkhas) in 1993 and is currently a serving member of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
He will be taking part in his 7th Trailwalker this year, but it won’t be his last. He has set himself the personal challenge of 10 Trailwalker Events! So far he has raised over £77,500 for Gurkha Veterans, their families and communities.
Dilli was part of last year’s ‘GWT Platinum Jubilee Team’ which raised over £18,000 to fund the refurbishment of two schools in Nepal.
His advice for anyone talking on Trailwalker for the first time is
“Just go out there and experience what is it like.”
John and the team at Trailwalker Australia
John Rymarz
John Rymarz and his team will be flying in from Australia to take part in what will be his 19th Trailwalker event. John took part in his first Trailwalker in 2004 and has previously taken part in events in Australia and Hong Kong. John’s wife introduced him to his first Trailwalker and has been part of his support crew ever since. He now completes the events with family and friends (over 35 teams members and 100 support crew).
John has raised around $200,000 through his participation in the event over the years and is hoping to finish this year at an impressive time of between 18-20 hours. John thrives on watching team members go beyond their limits and seeing the long-term confidence it builds.
John’s advice for anyone taking on the Trailwalker challenge:
“Don’t stop for long breaks. There is always something left in the tank so walk on. The discomfort that you feel at the halfway stage doesn’t get much worse so keep going. Keep drinking and eating snacks as you walk. Take it one stage at a time. Frequently change socks. You’ll remember the day forever. Adrenalin of the day will lift you. Most of all enjoy the day and wonderful surroundings.”