The clocks recently changed, and the evenings are drawing in. As usual, the supermarkets mixed up their Halloween pumpkins with the Christmas tinsel. Something tells me that 2025 is coming to an end.
Before it does, I wanted to thank everyone who has supported or followed Los Leones, including those brave souls who’ve taken part in some arduous events. I’ve put together a short review of the year below, so you can see what we’ve been up to – in the UK and beyond.
To jog your memory, Los Leones is the hybrid veterans’ group I set up in 2024. After leaving 131 Commando, I knew I’d miss the people and the camaraderie. So we created something that would bridge that gap. It’s a project that’s brought together a new team (military and civilian) for new challenges. We christened ourselves Los Leones – Spanish for lions – and have now raised nearly £16,000 for military charities.
The spirit of teamwork…
We started Los Leones by aligning our efforts to two elite military units from modern history, the Commandos and the Gurkhas. Our main mission at the beginning of this year was to field a competitive team of veterans in the Commando Speed March at Spean Bridge, Scotland. It’s a seven-mile run that commemorates part of the selection process for commandos during WWII.
This iconic military challenge was reborn 30 years ago, faithfully organised by local resident Graeme Taylor. The best teams from the UK and overseas armed forces race against each other, raising vital funds for military charities. We fielded a competitive team of 12 veterans. You can find out more about this annual event by reading this blog.
…and support for individuals
March saw Los Leones team member Mark Pigden take on a massive challenge. We’re all immensely proud of what he achieved in his 24-hour deadlifting world record attempt. While he did not break the record, his 5,865 reps meant he lifted over 318,000 kilograms. Mark showed his commando spirit throughout the attempt. He set a new personal record and helped the team raise over £8,700 for the Commando Association.
Mark’s challenge demanded physical endurance, mental resilience and courage. We supported him by providing funding for equipment and clothing. We also arranged a chef, a physio, a medic, a videographer and physical training instructors. This event, and our overall approach, is about more than numbers and records. It’s about community, service, and giving back to those who’ve given so much.
‘Beautiful beyond belief. Savage beyond reason’.
In May, two other team members faced a different kind of challenge. Ash Innes and Dave Grant lined up to take on the hardest 100-mile foot race in Europe. Ultra-Trail Snowdonia takes in 102 miles and over 31,000 ft of elevation. They had 48 hours to cover the technical trails and serious climbs, dealing with high levels of exposure. We arranged a support team of drivers, a paramedic, and a chef. Even Dave’s mum and her dog Casey were on hand to help resupply at checkpoints. It was an emotional experience to watch the boys cross the finish line – they had gone 56 hours without sleep.
Closer to home
A month later we were at the Doko Challenge South, a 5km race around Wimbledon Common. This is held annually in June. It’s a very scaled-down and respectful version of part of the selection process undertaken by Nepalese recruits for the British Army. Runners complete the cross-country course carrying a 15kg woven Doko basket on their backs. This year was my fifth attempt (it is held in my backyard, so no excuses). We celebrated with another of the Los Leones team, Johnnie Farquhar, as he won the event in a time of 23 minutes.
Some memorable international events
At the Commando Speed March, we’ve made many new friends and comrades. They include a group of Swiss commandos, who gave us the opportunity to visit their wonderful country at the end of the summer. Los Leones took part in the Swiss Commando Course race in Sion, in the canton of Valais. The 10km race involved carrying 10kg over various obstacles, then a cheeky final climb to the spectacular Chateau Tourbillon. The day ended with drinks in a vineyard and a gala dinner. It was a notable improvement over army ration packs in the Dartmoor rain.
Before the year’s end, we’re heading to the national cross-country championships run by Belgium’s Special Operations Regiment. They host them each year, with teams competing from France, Germany and other NATO forces. It’s a challenging 10km trail race around the area they use for their own training, open to serving military and veterans.
Tough challenges for groups and individuals
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re planning new challenges. They’ll involve both cold and hot weather environments, like long distance cross-country ski racing in Falun, Sweden, and gravel biking in Andalucia, Spain. The latter will take a route across the formidable el desierto de Tabernas. We’re also planning a team visit to a sports science facility at a UK university. This will allow us to measure our physiological fitness, while getting instruction on racecraft.
Thank you
All of us at Los Leones owe a debt of gratitude, or gracias eternas, to those who have donated generously as well as those sponsoring the team. This includes all at 131 Commando for advising and hosting us whenever we’ve needed it. OC Maj. Mike Gough and PSAO Capt. Olaf Dudley from 131 Commando RE have offered invaluable support for our efforts from the beginning.
We’re also grateful to our first lead sponsor, Bell Hammer Property Development, led by Joel Hawkins. They have given us sufficient annual funds to mitigate race entry fees, logistics, kit purchase, and transport for all our events.
There are also a number of sponsors who have asked for no recognition. You are the ‘silent unseen’. Your unconditional trust energises team Los Leones and you can be sure that every single penny is used to the full.
About the charities
The Commando Association
As we work on our fundraising efforts, it’s always heartening to see public support for the Commando Association. The association became a charity a year ago, allowing it to grow, develop and pursue new avenues. Their Just Giving page is now live, making it easy for anyone to fundraise for them directly. At Los Leones, we’re committed to ensure the momentum continues and that their good work spreads far and wide, with the long term goal to build an International Commando Heritage Centre at Spean Bridge, Scotland.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Gurkha Welfare Trust does a tremendous job of organising many events, raising essential funds to support the Gurkha community in Nepal. Every year they raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to help veterans, widows and their families, providing financial aid, medical care and welfare services. We’re proud to support them.
