Why Oman?
Over the past decade, Walking With The Wounded has pioneered ambitious expeditions around the world. We have taken teams of veterans to the North and South Poles, the slopes of Everest, walked the length of Britain, and crossed the USA.
Every
expedition is funded by corporate partners, so the money we raise goes to our
employment, mental health, and care coordination programmes, transforming lives
and communities, reducing reoffending, saving the taxpayer money, and
supporting the NHS.
The
Grenadier Walk of Oman expedition was planned to mark our 10th Year
Anniversary. The expedition would see a team of 6 veterans trekking 400km
across the Omani desert to showcase their resilience and determination - and raise funds and awareness for those who served.
Why did WWTW choose Oman? The
UK has a long history with the country. For example, in 1798, both countries signed a
Treaty of Friendship, under which Great Britain and the British Empire
guaranteed the rule of the Sultan. Fast forward to 1951 – Oman received
independence from British rule. However, we have remained close allies. The UK supported His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
during the Dhofar Conflict in 1972 and the UK and Omani military continue to
train closely with one another today.
In
addition to our shared military history, The Grenadier Walk of Oman was also
inspired by the adventures of British Military Officer and
Explorer, Wilfred Thesiger, who explored the Arabian Deserts between 1945-1949.
However, following the global pandemic and the uncertainty this caused around the safety of the team and international travel, it was decided to bring the expedition home to the UK and swap the vast deserts of Oman for the green rolling hills of Great Britain.
The expedition team are now taking on The Grenadier Walk of
Oman (reimagined in the UK) and they are walking 400km across the UK in just 12
days (the distance of 10 marathons!)
The
expedition is supported by a number of corporate partners, including our title
sponsor, INEOS
Automotive, whose Grenadier 4×4, due for release in late
2021, stands for the spirit of grit and determination embodied by the team.
Other partners supporting the charity and sponsoring the expedition include
Global Energy Drink Brand Monster Energy, Satellite Communications Specialists
Avanti Communications, British Outdoor Clothing Brand Craghoppers, leading wealth
and asset manager Shard Capital and the Invictus Games Foundation.
