A REDDITCH family took on an epic walking challenge to raise cash for armed forces charity SSAFA.
SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though its focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.
Tom Coyle, a retired naval officer, was joined by his two sons Tommy Coyle, an ex-Royal Marine, and James Coyle, an ex-Royal Engineer, alongside his daughter Petrina Dutton and grandchildren Holly Dutton and Stanley Coyle.
On Armed Forces Day, the family took part in the 13 Bridges Challenge, where they walked 10-miles across 13 iconic bridges in London. The route follows the banks of the River Thames, criss-crossing the river 13 times.
Tom said the walk took about four-and-a-half hours and was tough in the blazing heat.
He added: “It was worth it to know we were raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”
SSAFA helps armed forces veterans with addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and any disabilities.
The charity said many of these problems only became apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the forces and join ‘Civvy Street’.
Tom and his family have raised around £1,200 for the charity and are still collecting money.
Visit fundraise.ssafa.org.uk/fundraisers/ThomasCoyle/13-bridges-challenge-2026 to donate.
