A WIDNES military bodyguard and his team is mounting a gruelling marathon in memory of courageous soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

An eight man British Army Close Protection Team will carry an 85kg stretcher for 12 hours in temperatures exceeding 24 degrees celcius on Wednesday, May 4.

‘Stretcher to the limits’ is supporting The Royal British Legion and Window of Hope, a UK registered charity of an Afghan children’s orphanage.

Team leader Sgt Steve O’Callaghan said: “We aim to raise £3,515 which equates to £1 for every coalition soldier killed in action to date since the start of the war in Afghanistan.

“We very much hope to surpass this figure with the help of your readers. We would like to thank everyone who generously donates to this great cause.”

In relay teams of four, they will continuously run laps of their base carrying the laden stretcher round the Headquarters of Resolute Support in Kabul.

Former Bankfield High School pupil Sgt Callaghan said: “I work as a close protection operative for high ranking officers and diplomats at risk from kidnap and assassination in high threat countries.

“I have been in the army for 15 years completing various tours of Iraq, Algeria and Afghanistan.”

Sgt Callaghan and his team are currently protecting a General in Kabul.

The orphanage looks after children who have no family and disabled children with learning difficulties.

The charity also helps youngsters who have been injured through the war in Afghanistan.

Bodyguards taking part include Cpl Scott Green, Cpl Rob Carter, Cpl Ben Johnson, Cpl Chris Dainty and Cpl Craig Rouget.

To support the team visit justgiving/stretchertothelimits.