Dr Barbara King, 64, a GP and former army medic from Collingbourne Kingston is to take part in a 25km hike along the Jurassic Coast, next month, to raise funds for Help for Heroes, the charity for Armed Forces veterans.
Dr King served for nine years with the Royal Army Medical Corps but now works in a practice that covers both Tidworth and Tedworth House. She will be hiking in the Heroes Hike along the coast, organised by the Help for Heroes charity.
Why? Dr King explained: “I enjoy walking, and this is a lovely part of the country to hike in, and I live and work in an area with lots of military connections.
“Both my husband – who served for 30 years with the 2nd Battalion of The Queen’s Regiment and the Army Air Corps – and I are both ex-military and my son is in the RAF. I have friends who are ex-military and, also, patients in the practice I work in who are connected to the military, as we look after wives and families of serving soldiers.
“Additionally, there are many veterans in the area, so raising money for Help for Heroes seemed a great way to do something I enjoy, while supporting a cause I know well.
“I have taken part in charity hikes before but not for Help for Heroes and I’m looking forward to it.”
This hike is the fifth in a series of seven that Help for Heroes has organised this year. Ranging from Ben Nevis in the far North to Dartmoor in the South West.
Siobhan Warren, Help for Heroes’ event fundraising manager, said: “The series of seven one-day hikes is more than just a fundraiser for our amazing veterans. They’re an opportunity to reconnect with nature, meet new friends, and feel a real sense of personal achievement.
“Barbara’s motivation is very personal to her; some people walk because they have family members who have been helped by the Charity; while others may be motivated by more prosaic reasons, such as just taking exercise in fresh air, or are simply hikers by nature.
“Whatever the motivation, if you’re looking for an inspiring walking challenge, Heroes Hikes maybe the perfect choice and places are still available on all the remaining hikes, except London.”
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands – and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
The Charity supports veterans – and their families – from any branch of the UK military, regular or reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and local civilians (and their families) working under the command of the UK Armed Forces.
To support Barbara’s efforts, please, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jurassic-coast-challenge2026.
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