George Pas, a dedicated ABF ambassador and decorated Army veteran whose military career was cut short by a serious road traffic accident, is championing the Cateran Yomp 2026, a gruelling hike of up to 54 miles in the Cairngorms, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.
George was due to start his third tour of Afghanistan as a newly promoted Platoon Sergeant in 6th Battalion The Rifles, in 2011 when he sustained catastrophic injuries. Left paralysed from the chest down, George now relies on a wheelchair for mobility, and turned for help to the ABF to regain his sense of adventure.
A dedicated ABF supporter, George was unveiled as the new ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2026 at an event at Edinburgh Castle on 24th September. The 2026 Yomp takes place in Perthshire from Saturday 6 June – Sunday 7 June 2026. Over 1,000 soldiers, veterans and civilians will trek the challenging terrain of the Cateran Trail for 22, 36, or 54 miles, or as a relay, over 24 hours, raising thousands for our charity.
After 14 years of military service including deployments to Afghanistan and Kenya, George’s accident had a devastating impact on his life. To help improve his independence and enjoy the outdoors with his family, George raised thousands of pounds towards the cost of an all-terrain ‘Overlander’, an electrically powered, off-road mobility vehicle, before the ABF and other charities stepped in to make up the difference.
Speaking at the launch, George said: “I am truly humbled to have been asked by the ABF to become the 2026 Yomp Ambassador. The ABF gave me more than a piece of equipment; it gave me a part of my life back that was gone. It gave my children a part of their dad back that they had lost.
“None of this would have been possible without the ABF, and most importantly, without the support and generosity of Yompers and people like you.”
Attending the event were representatives from the British Army, previous participants and committed supporters from companies such as Oracle, Centrica, BAE, Trident IES, and generous sponsors, Arnold Clark and Castle Water. Music was provided by the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, kindly provided by the Senior Pipe Major in the British Army, WO1 (Senior Pipe Major) Colin Simpson SCOTS.
Guests also heard from Major Heather Lawrie, the Regimental Second in Command, 32nd Signal Regiment. Heather has achieved Gold in three Yomps and leads a Unit responsible for the final safety and water stop for participants heading for the finish at 54 miles. Describing the challenge and fun of the Yomp and how it builds resilience, she said: “This must be one of the safest, most-cost effective corporate team building events there is, where soldiers and civilians can share experiences while Yomping together – connecting the Army with wider society whilst also raising valuable funds for a military charity.”
Thanking those attending and our host, Major General Bob Bruce, Governor of Edinburgh Castle, John Donovan, Regional Director, ABF Scotland, said: “The support we receive from participants, and the companies that sponsor the Yomp, and encourage teams to take part, is vital for the Army Benevolent Fund. We’re hoping that year’s Yomp will be even bigger than before and welcome new teams and businesses to join us and George in June in supporting our mission – to be there for soldiers, veterans and families, for life.”
The Cateran Yomp is in its 15th year and, since 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £6m for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). Teams of serving soldiers who complete 54 miles in 24 hours receive the coveted Gold Distinction Award.
Sign up now – early-early bird registration for the Yomp ends on 30th November.