North cops hike to raise cash for wounded commandos

Officers Alan Ross, Andrew Shepherd with dogs Whisky and Khali, and James Rogers gear up for their charity hike

THREE north police officers are to undertake a tall challenge for charity later this month.

The Northern Constabulary constables, all former Royal Marines, will tackle two Munros, followed by a nine kilometre run in one day.

They have organised the gruelling challenge on May 20 to raise money for the charity ‘Commando 999’.

This is a charity set up by serving police officers, all of whom are ex-Royal Marines, to provide financial assistance to Royal Marines who have suffered life changing injuries.

Alan Ross, who is based at the force’s HQ in Old Perth Road, Inverness, James Rogers, who works in the Nairn station, and Andrew Shepherd, who is based at Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness, will cover a distance of around 34 km by tackling Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg, and by running to the Commando Memorial. They will ascend around 1506 metres.

Andrew will be taking along his two police dogs Khali and Whisky.

Detective Constable Alan Ross said: "We are delighted to be able to do this challenge for such a worthwhile cause that means so much to all of us. The charity aims to give to bereaved families and dependants of Marines killed in action, but not only that it helps to provide support to the many who suffer physical and mental trauma from their duties.

"It’s great that in our roles within Northern Constabulary we are able to help with a cause that means so much to us and we would like to thank everyone internally who has supported us."