Pillars of Hercules (Paul C - RGP)
Saturday 5th April 2025
Paul Chipolina
Pillars of Hercules (Paul C - RGP)
On 5th April 2025, a team made up mainly of police officers from Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and the Royal Gibraltar Police, will be undertaking this challenge to raise money for three very worthy causes. The majority of the team have also served in His Majesty's Armed Forces and share an understanding of the struggles faced by colleagues in all the services, which is why the funds are being raised for police and veterans charities.
Many members of the armed forces and policing witness sights that nobody should have to see, and they do this to protect our countries and our freedoms. Dealing with the trauma of service sometimes leads individuals to self medicate with alcohol or drugs, often because they are too proud to ask for help. In the worst cases, they are disowned by their families and friends and can end up homeless. The work these charities do is vital to help these public servants pick up the pieces and try and put them back together.
Here are three quotes from former police and military veterans that have received this support and rescued them from a life of self destruction:
"Thanks for arresting me"
"the arresting officer and custody sergeant are legends"
"I would be dead now without the help"
The challenge will see the team crossing 3 countries (Spain, Gibraltar & Morocco), 2 continents (Africa & Europe) and the Strait of Gibraltar, in order to climb the peaks of Mount Jebel Musa and the Rock of Gibraltar, the mythical "Pillars of Hercules," within the same day. It isn't for the faint hearted, but is nothing compared to the struggles some of their former colleagues have been trough or are going through.
The team will begin the challenge at first light on Sat 5th April, climb to the summit of Mount Jebel Musa in Morocco, North Africa, with the round-trip estimated to take around 6 hours to complete. Once down, the group will be driven by coach to Port Tanger Med and board a ferry across the the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet, to the port of Algeciras in Spain, returning to European soil. The group will be driven by coach to Gibraltar and once they cross the border, will begin their walk to the "Top of the Rock," which will approximately 2 hours to complete . The challenge will end with a team photo displaying their event banner once they reach the Top of Rock.
The event will require significant logistical preparation and training for participants to be ready for the challenge, so please help them in their goal to raise £6000 for those who have scarified so much for all of us.
These are the three amazing charities which will benefit:
1) Walking With the Wounded who support Veterans with Physical, Mental or Social Injuries on their journey to reintegrate back into society, regain their independence and secure sustainable employment.
2) Police Care UK makes sure both serving and former colleagues who suffer harm, and their families, have someone to turn to. Police Care UK champion welfare that works and provide a confidential program of practical, emotional, and financial support to police and their families.
3) The Royal Gibraltar Police Benevolent Fund - the fund's primary purpose is to provide practical, emotional or financial support to any serving officer and their immediate family who may be experiencing hardship.