Trowbridge mum’s set to tough it out (From Wiltshire Times)

Trowbridge mum’s set to tough it out

3:00pm Saturday 10th April 2010 in Latest News By Rachel Allen

Amanda Smith is taking part in The Riflemum’s Challenge to raise money for The Rifles regimental charity

A Trowbridge mum is undertaking a gruelling SAS-style fitness course in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for her son’s regiment.

Amanda Smith, of Whiterow Park, is one of 14 mums who is taking on the Rifleman’s Challenge in the Brecon Beacons on May 1 for three days.

The challenge involves taking part in the 24km Fan Dance, which is part of the fitness and navigation phase of the selection course for the SAS.

Mrs Smith, whose 19-year-old son Robin Hughes is a rifleman in 2 Rifles regiment, is hoping to raise £10,000 as part of the team of women who have now become close friends.

She said: “It is going to be gruelling but it will be fun at the same time.

“Another mum, Sharon Hudson asked me if I would like to do it and I said I would. We are going to be doing the same kind of training that soldiers have to do.”

The 14 women will represent the 14 soldiers from 2 Rifles who lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2009 and the money raised from the three-day event will go directly to The Rifles Charities.

The money will go towards those who have been injured in battle and support funeral costs of fallen soldiers.

The 41-year-old mother-of-four, a teaching assistant at Larkrise School, said: “I have been fundraising for about a month now and have raised money through my gym, at work and my partner Peter is collecting money at his work as well.

“It’s nice to meet all the other mums and make new friends, I think we will stay friends after this.”

She explained that as well as fundraising she has been training with swimming, walking, climbing hills including Clay Hill and the Westbury White Horse.

Mr Hughes said: “I think its nice that all the mums have come together to do this for the regiment. The regiment appreciates what the group’s fundraising efforts.”

For more information and to donate towards Mrs Smith’s cause, log on to www.justgiving.com/ riflemumschallenge.