Jules is taking the high road

11:40am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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AN INJURED commander will be marching onwards and upwards when he takes part in the Great Outdoors Challenge.

Wing Commander Jules Eaton, from Watchfield, will be trekking across the Scottish Highlands to raise funds for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Help the Heroes campaign, despite suffering serious damage to his knees in the Middle East.

He will start his journey on Friday and go on a trek that is roughly 290km long and involves a climb of 8,200m.

Wing Cmdr Eaton, 46, was medically evacuated from Kuwait in 2004.

Four operations later, he is determined to challenge his partial disability and at the same time raise money for a worthy cause.

He said: "This trek is going to be just shorter than climbing up Everest and is something I am looking forward to.

"My latest operation was at the Great Western Hospital in July.

"As part of my recovery, I was at the defence medical rehabilitation centre in Headley Court. While I was there I realised that my injuries were not even a scratch compared to what some servicemen had been through.

"It was then that I decided I was going to do this trek. It made me think about the things that I can do, rather than reflect on what I couldn't do anymore.

"Being less able with my knees made me realise how difficult it must be for someone in a wheelchair.

"I wanted to set myself a challenge that would really test me and also raise money for worthy causes, especially the benevolent fund as it's our charity and it's important to support all those who have served before."

Wing Cmdr Eaton, who works for the Ministry of Defence in Shrivenham, said his family - wife Donna and son Tom, 17 - were taken aback when he told them of his mountain challenge.

He said: "When I told my family I was doing this, I think they did wonder if there was something wrong with my head, rather than my knees. In all seriousness though, everyone's been really generous and supportive.

"I've raised £1,600 to date and I'm aiming to make it an even £2,000 so I can put £1,000 towards each cause.

"The RAF regiment's motto is through adversity', and that is something I want to follow. We don't give up; we get up and get going. Giving up is not something we do.

"This challenge is also a way for me to get some self esteem back. It's quite dispiriting not being able to serve your full term of duty and this will help a good cause and me at the same time. It will be completely worth it."

If you would like to sponsor Wing Cmdr Eaton on his journey visit his website at http://freespace.virgin.net/jules.eaton/index.htm.