Soldiers based in Colchester have been pulling their weight – and much more besides – to raise money to help victims of the Nepal earthquakes.

16 Air Assault Brigade’s logistics specialists 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps has a number of Gurkha soldiers amongst its ranks, who have pulled together to raise funds to help those who have lost everything.

They have taken part in a week of physical challenges, and raised more than £8,000.

The troops began by racking up the miles on rowing machines and exercise bikes while collecting from shoppers at Tesco at the Hythe, before continuing with a treadmill run outside their headquarters at Merville Barracks, taking it in turns to run for an entire 24 hours.

At the same time other troops carried out exercises such as weight lifting and step exercises to simulate climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest.

In their final event each of the regiment’s three squadrons pulled an ambulance around the barracks in a race to see who could complete the challenge in the quickest possible time.

Sergeant Jigmi Lama, event organiser, said: “The route was 3km, to signify the height of Mount Everest.

“As we were running, soldiers from the rest of the brigade were cheering for us.

“At the same time, it felt like they were cheering for the people back home as well who have got no homes and no food but who are still trying to make a living out there.

“It’s good to know that the funds we have raised will help those people.”

The exact fundraising total is still to be finalised.

The money generated will be donated to the charity HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Nepal, which is working in the Sindhupalchok and Gorkha valleys within the country.

Fundraising for Nepal will continue at the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show, being held on Abbey Field on Saturday July 4, with a collection to support Colchester Nepalese Society’s relief efforts.