War widow's desert trek (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

War widow's desert trek

4:14pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Andy Walker, Chief Reporter (Darlington)

THE widow of a North-East soldier murdered after stopping to let Afghan police officers pray during a patrol in Helmand province has completed a charity trek in his honour.

Lance Corporal Jonathan McKinlay, 33, who lived in Darlington and was based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, was shot through the neck while on patrol with 1st Battalion The Rifles in September 2011.

His wife, Lisa, launched a fundraising drive following his death.

She this week completed a 20-mile trek across the Sahara desert, having warmed up by tackling the Three Peak Challenge.

Mrs McKinlay, who has since moved away from Darlington, has set a fundraising target of £6,000 for her chosen cause, the Undentable Trust, which helps wounded soldiers.

She has already received donations of almost £5,400 and trained for the trek using a treadmill bought for her by her late husband.

To support Mrs McKinlay, visit bmycharity.com/MrsMC