Borehamwood Teen Takes on Hiking Challenge

A young man from Borehamwood, is taking on a 25km hike in September to honour his uncles who served in the Royal Navy and RAF.

Zak Light, age 19, wants to honour his uncle Keith Rabbetts, who served as an engineer in the Royal Navy and Nick Thomas who served in the RAF. Keith died last November at the age of 82 after battling with dementia, and made a big impression on Zak when he was growing up. He's aiming to raise £1,000 for Help for Heroes in his memory.

Zak explained, "I was a member of the local Army Cadets Unit when I was younger and am now a member of the Royal Marine Cadets. My uncle Keith always encouraged me and asked me about how I was getting on. I loved hearing his stories about his time in service.

"I wanted to do a Charity hike and eventually would like to build myself up to completing the 30-mile Royal Marines hike across Dartmoor. The Heroes Hike in September will help me to get to my goal and to honour my uncles." 

Zak is a keen walker and had already completed the Three Peaks before he started a new job last year at The King Harry in St Albans. He uses walking to help to decompress after busy shifts as a bartender. He's applying to join the Met Police, but his eventual goal is to join the Army or the Royal Marines. 

Zak added, "Uncle Keith was very strong willed, and I'm hoping I can channel some of his determination to get me to the finishing line.

"During my time in the Cadets, I've come across many veterans who have struggled with the adjustment to civilian life. They've all said that the Charity has supported them, helping with medical equipment or mental health issues.

"I feel that by doing this hike, I'm supporting a Charity that has given so much to people I've met over the years and if I can raise some money for them, I'd consider that a success." 

If you would like to support Zak in his Dartmoor Heroes Hike challenge on September 12, go to Zak Light is fundraising for Help for Heroes.