It is easy to see why the Cateran Yomp is one of our flagship events and a firm favourite among our fundraisers. The camaraderie, atmosphere, and sense of achievement make it a truly unique experience.
Drawn from all walks of life, our yompers come to Blairgowrie in Scotland to take on 54 miles in just 24 hours. Each participant brings their own story to the challenge. This year, we are featuring Laura, Mick and Julian: three inspirational individuals who will be Yomping with us over the weekend of 6–7 June.
Laura
A seasoned yomper, Laura completed her first Cateran Yomp in 2019 with her sister, Nina. She says: “I wanted to test myself and I liked the idea of being guided around the Cairngorms as I don’t trust my own navigation skills! We both instantly signed up again – having been blown away by the loveliness of the ABF and how well-organised the event was.”
Since then, Laura has bagged three gold medals for completing the full 54 miles of the Yomp. This year, she has been marching the hills of Edinburgh in preparation for her fourth attempt which she aims to complete in 20 hours.
Laura will be joined by her schoolmate, Gilly at this year’s Yomp and says: “It’s hard work! But you meet amazing people on the Yomp. Some might struggle with fitness or have sore knees, but they are doing this for their comrades – and even though it’s brutal, they keep going. I take my hat off to folk that plod on! I’ve loved all of the Yomps and I am really looking forward to this year’s event.”
Mick
Mick is taking on the Yomp with friends and two of his brothers. They will pay tribute to their late sibling in a very special way by carrying a Bergen around the route.
Mick says: “Our eldest brother served in the Royal Marines and at just 25 he was killed in a motorbike accident whilst on leave.
“But he will be with us at the Yomp – because we are bringing our brother’s old rucksack and loading it with the required kit.
“We all want to finish together but each of us is taking turns to carry the pack between the different points on the Trail. To make it harder, we won’t have trained with it together at all!”
Julian
Cancer survivor, Julian Valentine is set to achieve the goal, topping his ‘bucket list’ – completing the Cateran Yomp 12 years after he first took part in the event.
When Julian received a cancer diagnosis in 2024, his consultant suggested he identify a ‘bucket list’ of positive goals to focus on during his chemotherapy treatment. The Army veteran’s first thought was to sign up for the ABF’s Cateran Yomp. After completing the full distance at his first attempt in 2014, he is determined to reach this milestone again on his return in June.
Having now received the ‘all clear’ from his doctors, Julian says: “I was devastated by my cancer diagnosis and needed something to look forward to. So, I am looking forward to completing the walk again with my colleagues this summer and supporting the Army Benevolent Fund. I’m fighting fit and the training has gone well. I am really looking forward to the big event!”