George Pas, a 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 (ABF).
George, originally from Chard in Somerset, was due to start his third tour of Afghanistan as a newly promoted Platoon Sergeant in 6th Battalion The Rifles, when he sustained catastrophic injuries in a motorbike accident. Left paralysed from the chest down after breaking his spine in eight places and severing his spinal cord, George now relies on a wheelchair for mobility. He turned for help to the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, to improve his independence, and is now dedicated to giving back to the organisation.
George and was unveiled as the new ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2026 at an event at Edinburgh Castle on 24th September. Next year’s Yomp takes place in Blairgowrie, Perthshire from Saturday 6th June – Sunday 7th 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, in aid of the ABF’s lifetime support for soldiers, veterans and their families.
After serving in the British Army as a reservist for more than 14 years, including deployments to Afghanistan and Kenya, George’s accident had a devastating impact on his life and his family. George set about completing a series of testing challenges, including abseiling, to raise 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.
Since then, George has become a committed supporter of the charity, sharing his story to increase awareness of the ABF’s support for the Army family. He will be joining next year’s Yomp to rally participants from all over the UK and as far afield as the USA as they set out to complete one of Scotland’s toughest endurance events.
Speaking at the launch, George said:
“I am truly humbled to have been asked by the ABF to become the ambassador for the 2026 Cateran Yomp. 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.
“It has given me the chance to get to the top of mountains, enjoy days on the beach and make memories to cherish. None of this would have been possible without the ABF and, most importantly, without the support and generosity of yompers and people like you.”
Guests also heard from Major Heather Lawrie, the Regimental Second in Command, 32nd Signal Regiment, whose unit is responsible for the last water and safety stop before the Yomp finish at 54 miles. Heather, who has achieved gold in all three of her Yomps, 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.”
Attending the event were representatives from the British Army, previous participants, corporate supporters, and Arnold Clark and Castle Water, which are generous sponsors of the 2026 event.
Thanking guests and Major General Bob Bruce, Governor of Edinburgh Castle and host of the launch event, 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 next year’s Yomp will be even bigger than before, and welcome new teams and businesses to join us next June in supporting our mission – to be there for soldiers, veterans, and their 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.). Teams of serving soldiers who complete 54 miles in 24 hours receive the coveted Gold Distinction Award. For more information, visit: Army Benevolent Fund : Cateran Yomp – Home.
