Splash Community Projects Team Embarks on Epic Charity Challenge for Armed Forces
Four dedicated members of the Splash Community Projects team are officially swapping their toolkits for trekking poles as they prepare to take on the formidable Samworth Brothers Challenge. This elite squad is set to push their physical and mental boundaries in a high-stakes adventure designed to test even the most seasoned athletes, all in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. It is a bold move that underscores the team's unwavering 'can-do' spirit, shifting their focus from local community enhancements to a rigorous national stage.
Event Details and Team Composition
The action is scheduled for May 9, 2026, where the quartet will confront a daunting triathlon of endurance, featuring three major sections: mountain running, kayaking, and cycling, each lasting approximately three hours. This full day of perseverance and teamwork will unfold in the scenic yet demanding landscape of Castleton in the Peak District.
The Samworth Challenge participants include former veterans with extensive military backgrounds: Lloyd Comer, an ex-commando sapper and military diver; Kenny Turk, a parachute engineer; Steve Hall, a Royal Engineer; and Josh Poole, another parachute engineer and military diver, who is also the son of Splash Projects co-founder Simon Poole, serving as sponsor and team driver. Together, they boast a collective 90 years of service in the Army, bringing a wealth of experience in dedication and hard work to this endeavour.
Fundraising Goals and Charity Connection
The team at Exmouth-based Splash Community Projects, a business focused on developing teams and individuals through global community initiatives, aims to raise £2,500 for the South West region of SSAFA. Lloyd, aged 64 and the dedicated team lead, explained, "All of the team have a deep association with the Armed Forces, and as the longest-running tri-service charity, SSAFA felt like the right choice for our chosen charity."
SSAFA has been supporting the Armed Forces community for over 140 years, offering practical, emotional, and financial assistance to serving personnel, veterans, and their families across the UK Armed Forces, ensuring they never face challenges alone.
Training and Team Dynamics
Lloyd added, "The team's training is well underway, with each member working on increasing personal fitness levels through multi-terrain cycling, running, and navigation, both in the gym and local areas. As we are spread across the UK and beyond, with Steve Hall living in France and Kenny Turk in Spain, we will rely on our military experience to come together as a team and tackle this monumental task."
He emphasised, "When fatigue hits and those hills get steeper, we will remember the sacrifices of those who are serving, have served, and will serve. The grit and determination needed to cross that finish line as a team will be immense, but the reward and satisfaction of finishing will be even greater."
Historical Ties and Past Collaborations
Splash Community Projects has a strong connection to SSAFA and the Armed Forces, with over 40 facilitators who are ex-military. In 2025, in partnership with the Devon branch of SSAFA, they collaborated with the Gordon Messenger Centre to build a tranquil retreat in Lympstone, dedicated to the memory of SSAFA caseworker June Best.
This joint venture, designed and built by veterans, involved more than £350,000 in donated materials and time, with an additional £25,000 in materials added during a second phase. Over six months later, the garden has become a safe haven for the local veteran community, highlighting the lasting impact of such initiatives.
To support Splash in reaching their £2,500 target, contributions can be made through their fundraising page. More information about SSAFA is available on their official website. The team's efforts are based in Exmouth, Devon, showcasing their commitment to making a difference both locally and nationally.
