SSAFA supporter Katie McMorrow, 32, from Chatham, Kent, is preparing to take part in a five-day fundraising trek through Romania’s rugged Piatra Craiului mountains in the South Carpathians, in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Katie, who works in financial education, was inspired to sign up for the challenge by her dad, who served in the Royal Navy for nine years and her cousin who is a former Royal Marine.
The trek, which runs from 9-13th October 2025, will see Katie join other fundraisers navigating high altitudes in one of Eastern Europe’s most dramatic mountain regions. Over five days, she will hike through forests, over ridgelines and across demanding terrain.
Katie has a strong interest in mental and physical fitness and takes part in athletic and running competitions in her spare time. As part of her training for the trek, she has already completed 140km on a Wattbike at her local gym to mark SSAFA’s 140th anniversary and raised over £800. Each participant must raise at least £2,500 to take part in the trek, which goes towards SSAFA’s important work.
Katie says:
“This hike is something completely new for me – it’s a real challenge, but I’m excited to push myself for such an important cause. It feels great to be able to contribute in a small way to that legacy.
“I’ve also been inspired by my mum, who volunteers for the SSAFA and witnesses first-hand the help and support this provides to those in need.”
Donations to Katie’s fundraising trek will support men, women, and children in the Armed Forces family from those serving today to the precious few WWII veterans SSAFA still works with. To help support them, and tomorrow’s military community, visit Katie’s fundraising page here.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
