The soldiers from Army Recruitment Team 34 Technical Logistics in Newport are rotating between three rowing machines, three exercise bikes and three treadmills at JJB Sports gym to cover 1,686 miles on Thursday and Friday this week.  

All money raised will go towards Bulgarian charity, One Life, which aims to provide medicines and treatment to Bulgarian children with life-threatening and life-shortening illnesses as well as support to their families.  The charity is also working towards building and funding a modern hospice in Bulgaria.

The army will be training and mountain climbing in Bulgaria between 5 and 20 April and will also visit a local orphanage to deliver donated games, books, clothing and toys.

Corporal Stuart Brierley, who organised the challenge, said, "We're halfway through the challenge but we're still going strong!  The team have worked really hard to pull together and make this challenge enjoyable and a real success. 

"We only have three weeks to go until we go to Bulgaria, and we're still calling for donations to take to the orphanage. Any unwanted games, toys and clothing can be dropped into JJB Sports gym at any time before the end of March."