Red Arrows pilots raise over £10,000

Flight Lieutenants Stew Campbell and Joe Hourston, who have flown with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team for the last two years, have completed the tough 96-mile charity walk over the West Highland way in four days.

Joining them was Wing Commander Martin Higgins, also a former Red Arrows pilot and now the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, and Flight Lieutenant Doug Smith who is the Flight Planning Officer.

Flight Lieutenant Stew Campbell, Red 4 for 2015 said: “Since joining the team I have wanted to organise a charity event. This walk – 4ForRed4 – is in memory of Jon Egging, a former Red 4 and is raising money for two charities close to the team’s heart, the Jon Egging Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund”.

On the first day they completed 27 miles in glorious Scottish weather, taking in the stunning Scottish scenery, and were glad to reach their destination at the local youth hostel that night.

By day two, they had reached over £5,000, well on their way to their target of £8,000 for the two charities.

They reached the half way point and feeling good, they pushed on a few extra miles before celebrating with a good night’s sleep. They then headed out to take on the Devil’s Staircase the following day.

The 4ForRed4 Team was delighted at the messages of support they received through social media from the public: “The Tweets and Facebook messages we received each day while walking lifted our spirits and drove us on when we were getting tired.

“We can’t thank those who sent messages and donated money enough.”

The pilots completed the last leg of the walk in their famous red flying suits which they are now auctioning on eBay.

The money raised which is now over £10,000 is being shared by the Jon Egging Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The 4ForRed4 team has now returned to RAF Scampton to start their demanding winter training schedule.