A BRADFORD soldier is among a 25-strong group cycling and running more than 1,300 miles this week to deliver the match ball for the Super League Grand Final.

Sergeant Andrew Walton, of the Royal Dragoon Regiment based in Catterick, has been planning the extreme challenge for three years.

The 39-year-old from Wibsey is travelling with the hardy group of soldiers, but cannot take part due to an injury picked up in preparation.

They set off from Stade Gilbert Brutus, home of Challenge Cup holders Catalans Dragons, in Perpignan, France, on Saturday, October 6, and have been cycling through France and Belgium over the past few days, including stopping to lay wreaths at Ypres and Amiens. They will travel by ferry from Zeebrugge to Hull today, and tomorrow will begin the next leg of their challenge at Craven Park, home of Hull Kingston Rovers.

Tomorrow they will stop at Hull FC’s KCOM Stadium, the Jungle, home of Castleford Tigers, and Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue ground.

On Friday, the regiment will begin their challenge at Headingley Stadium, home of reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos, before heading to Huddersfield Giants’ Kirklees Stadium and then crossing the Pennines to Wigan Warriors’ DW Stadium and finishing up at league leaders St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

On Saturday, they will start at Halton Stadium, home of Widnes Vikings, before travelling to Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium, and the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, with the challenge coming to an epic close when the regiment deliver the match ball for the Super League Grand Final between Wigan and Warrington at Old Trafford in Manchester in time for kick-off at 6pm.

Sergeant Walton said the challenge will cover around 1,300 miles.

He said: “I first came up with the idea three years ago but got injured, so we moved it to this year to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

“I got injured again in the preparation for this one but I am travelling as a member of support staff.

“We got in touch with the RFL to do it and are stopping at every ground in the Super League.

“In Hull the regiment rugby team and running team are joining us, and they will be doing a relay, running, cycling and doing military style loaded marches - tabs - between each ground. We wanted to raise profile of the regiment, we are based in Catterick but we recruit heavily from the Bradford area, and we are hoping to boost recruitment.

“We are also raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund - The Soldier’s Charity along the way.”

To support the troops and to donate £5, text ‘RDGC79 £5’ to 70070, or justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-walton22.

To apply to join the Royal Dragoon Guards, visit apply.army.mod.uk/