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Supporting the Nijmegen Marches

Lance Corporal Hughie Levenie from the Army Reserve’s 222 Medical Squadron, 254 Medical Regiment, also worked with two of his colleagues from Leicester to construct three rest stop areas at different locations throughout the march.

The Nijmegen Marches took place from 17 to 20 July with participants walking either 30KM, 40KM or 50KM around the city of Nijmegen on each day. The event begun as a way to promote healthy living and exercise but has grown into something much bigger.

It is the largest multiple day marching event in the world with more than 40,000 people taking part in recent years. The majority of the participants are now civilians but historically the marches were a military event.

Hughie helped to provide medical cover to more than 700 soldiers and cadets taking part in the march from across the UK. He said: “The exercise for me was a new experience as I hadn’t been involved before.

“Using our medical skills we provided foot taping, foot care and primary health care to regulars, reservists or cadets before, during or after the marches each day. Prior to us attending the marches we had a week of refresher training and specific skill training for medical issues that may have arisen during our time in Holland. The temporary hospital was based at Heumensoord Camp in Nijmegan and but we also deployed our resources to three other rest areas throughout the event.”

Working as a Shift Leader in a White Goods Warehouse in his civilian life, Hughie enjoys being able to take part in exercises like this that are completely different to his day-to-day life.

Speaking about why he joined the Army Reserve, he explained: “I joined 222 Medical Squadron in early 2012 as I was a Community Responder at the time and had a keen interest in helping people.

“I gained more medical skills through the Army Reserve as I undertook a number of different Combat Medical Technician courses. It’s always a great feeling helping people and the skills the Army has taught me allow me to provide more assistance than I ever could have in times of need before. I now also get to travel all over the world using these skills, which is great.”

222 Medical Squadron based on Brentwood Road in Leicester is recruiting. If you want to take on a new challenge in your spare time or want to find out what types of roles are available, contact 0116 275 9680 or email brenna.partridge270@mod.gov.uk