A SERVING soldier will tackle a gruelling ten mile challenge designed to test prospective paratroopers... and he’ll do it on stilts.

The Paras’10 - widely regarded as the ultimate ten mile endurance race - is tough enough on foot.

Across undulating and difficult terrain, participants are put through their paces as they aim to get across the finish line in 1hr 50m.

Usually participants will also carry a 35lb pack on their back.

But Corporal Kearan Varley, 39, will forgo the heavy pack for fear of becoming unbalanced and toppling from a height.

Together with a friend - US Army veteran Richard Cook - Corporal Varley will attempt the Catterick Paras’10 atop a pair of stilts.

He will do so to raise money for Lexden Springs School, which caters to children with special needs.

His 14-year-old son Matthew is a pupil at the school.

“People should never let a disability get them down,” said Cpl Varley.

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

“I have no disability, so I decided to give myself one to prove this is possible.

“I also take a packet of sweets round so if I do find someone who is a bit down in the dumps I can hopefully have a chat with them and give them a lift.

“People might ask me why I am doing it, but when I explain the cause it usually gets a positive conversation going.

“It’s a challenge - it’s not an easy thing to do and it will be hard on my knees and lower back.

“But a lot of boys and girls at the school wear splints constantly - I can take my stilts off but they can’t and have to live with their disability 24/7.

“It’s just ten miles and then I can take these off and soak my feet, it isn’t day in, day out.”

Halstead Gazette:

Cpl Varley’s eldest son Liam, 22, also attended Lexden Springs and thanks to the guidance he received is now flourishing at a mainstream college.

“It is more hands on at a school like this, it is more demanding for teachers and the staff are absolutely amazing,” said Cpl Varley.

“Teachers have to learn sign language, even ways to communicate with each boy and girl individually.

“Some don’t have the ability to use both hands so signing can be difficult. They have to know them inside and out.”

Lexden Springs in the process of undergoing a £19 million expansion and will relocate from its current site, in Halstead Road, to the former Heath School site, in Winstree Road, Stanway.

The move will allow the school to increase its capacity from 120 to 200 pupils, but comes with its own difficulties.

“They have some problems with transport and need another vehicle,” explains Cpl Varley.

“In order to continue taking the pupils into the community, they need an additional wheelchair, accessible minibus and a people carrier for the more mobile pupils.”

Halstead Gazette:

He is hoping people will be willing to sponsor him ahead of his challenge, with all funds raised going to the school.

Cpl Varley has served in the Army for 17 years, carrying out six operational tours across Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus.

His role as a driver has seen him transferred across multiple units and regiments, including 42 Commando and the Royal Logistic Corps.

He is currently with 16 Medical Regiment, based in Colchester.

When he leaves the Army in five years time, he hopes to find a career helping special needs children.

He said it was good to have a plan for life post-army.

“I have heard it mentioned that sometimes it is like getting out of prison after a long time,” he said.

“In the army you have safety and support, three square meals, a roof over your head.

“Once you’re out the gate you can’t come back in.

“I am lucky because I have a supportive family, friend group and know people who have left the army already.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/lexdenspringsspringers