Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course

Chris Conrad in training

Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course

Chris training for the Yellow Brick Road

Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course

Chris waving to thank his supporters

Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course

The FBI National Academy’s training assault course in Quantico is not for the faint-hearted, but Hostage International supporter Chris Conrad is taking it on to fundraise for the charity.

Chris, a Chief Inspector at the Metropolitan Police will be taking ‘time out’ from a training opportunity in the States to throw himself into the infamous Yellow Brick Road obstacle course.

He understands the importance of fundraising for the charity and as such aims to complete the 6.1 mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the US Marines. Along the way participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, and more.

Chris was persuaded to take on the challenge by a friend, and decided to use the feat to raise money for Hostage International.

He said: “I’m in Quantico for a training course but have a weekend off, and when I was wondering what to do a friend suggested I attempt the Yellow Brick Road.

“I’m honoured to have been given this opportunity to attempt this course, as seen in the film Silence of the Lambs, and want to raise as much as possible for Hostage International.”

Chris explained: “Having spent ten years of my life in hostage negotiations it is great to know that this charity is there to go the extra mile in supporting people affected, with emotional and practical support. The impact on those affected by this heinous crime is wider than the hostage themselves and without Hostage International there would be no support for their wider families”

The 46-year-old admits that he has always had to keep fit for work, but after suffering from a deep vein thrombosis last year will have to hit the gym hard and increase his running training to be ready for everything the Yellow Brick Road throws at him at the start of February.

“My training is having to shift up a gear with some gentle circuits and some weight-training thrown in, to running at least 5km every other day and stepping up the weights – alongside my job and family life.”

You can donate to Chris via JustGiving here.

Chris said: “Every penny really does count in going towards Hostage International’s essential work in supporting the families of hostages and hostages when they return home. It’s niche, but makes a real difference to people in a time of extreme stress.”

Lara Symons, Director of Hostage International, said: “We are so grateful to Chris for raising funds for Hostage International by taking on this very demanding assault course, and on his weekend ‘off’. We have a team of dedicated caseworkers providing bespoke support to the families of hostages and to hostages when they return home.  The support of fundraisers like Chris helps us to give the best possible service to those in need.”

Find out more on how you can support Hostage International here. 

 

 

 

 

More News

Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course
Met police officer is fundraising for Hostage International by taking on gruelling assault course