An Army veteran who suffered life-changing injuries in Afghanistan before going on to win gold in the Paris Paralympics is championing the 2027 Cateran Yomp as the event’s official ambassador.
Gregg Stevenson MBE was serving as a Royal Engineer Commando in Afghanistan in 2009 when he stepped on an IED, resulting in life-changing injuries and the loss of both legs. Determined to move forward with his life despite the challenges of rehabilitation, Gregg embarked on a remarkable journey that has seen him achieve both academic and sporting success, with the support of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).
Now Gregg is encouraging people from across the UK to support the ABF by taking on the Cateran Yomp, a challenging endurance event set in the foothills of the Cairngorms.
It was during Gregg’s lengthy rehabilitation that he learned about the ABF’s financial support for the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund and received the charity’s help to study for a BSc in Sports, Fitness and Coaching at the Open University. Alongside his studies, the father of two, 41, from Foulridge in East Lancashire took up competitive rowing, progressing to international success before winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Gregg says: “I’m thrilled to be heading to Scotland in June as the 2027 Cateran Yomp ambassador and I’d urge as many people as possible to sign up for the event. It’s been a journey since my injury but, with the ABF’s support, I’ve been able to get the best out of myself and I couldn’t be more thankful.
“What I’ve learned from my time as a commando and in elite sport is that reaching the finish line when you’re facing a serious challenge requires cheerfulness, resilience and teamwork. The Yomp is a great opportunity to come together, raise money, test your limits and create some fantastic memories along the way.”
Representatives from the British Army, previous Yomp participants, and committed supporters attended an event at Edinburgh Castle on 17 September to launch the 2027 Yomp, alongside generous sponsors, Arnold Clark and Castle Water. Guests were greeted on arrival by a lone piper, Signaller Michael Chaing from 32 Signal Regiment, kindly provided by the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals. He further entertained those in attendance in the Great hall with a magnificent piping set prior to official speeches.
Brigadier Dave Calder OBE, The Army Commander, 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, welcomed guests on behalf of host, Major General Bob Bruce, Governor of Edinburgh Castle. A panel discission about elite leadership, chaired by Joanna Gosling (broadcaster and Director of Strategic Relationships and Mediation at Irwin Mitchell) heard from previous Yomp participants, Brigadier (Retired) Clare Phillips CBE, who is a trustee of the ABF, and Kevin McIntyre, Quality Assurance Leader, Castle Water.
Kevin described drawing inspiration from the Yomp ambassador in 2024, when he thought he couldn’t go on, which still gives him confidence today.
“When I saw Mark, who had walked there from Carlisle on his crutches, I realised that I had to dig deep and carry on – even if my body was telling me not to. I finished all 54 miles – telling myself I’m not going to be beaten.”
Clare agreed: “The Yomp taught me a lot about preparation, but even more about thinking of the purpose. Every step you take you know your progress is contributing to the welfare of a soldier, their family, or a veteran. We’ve all got the same objective at the start, and the exciting part is working out how we’re going to get there together.”
The 2027 Yomp takes place in Perthshire from Saturday 5 June – Sunday 6 June 2027 and is expected to welcome hundreds of soldiers, veterans, and civilians, who 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.
To sign up, visit our website here.