Inmarsat : supports Walking with the Wounded at summit

21 September 2017: Inmarsat is proud to support Walking with the Wounded, the charity that helps vulnerable armed service veterans re-integrate into society through employment, on its latest expedition climbing Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

The five-strong team, which set off on 17 September, includes Jack Shuttleworth from Inmarsat's Global Government Business Unit, who will be providing satellite connectivity for the team.

An IsatPhone 2 satellite phone will enable veterans to stay in touch with family and friends, and also be safe in the knowledge that they have a vital lifeline should they need to call for help as they make the 1,797 ft (5,895 metre) ascent of Tanzania's dormant volcano.

Raise awareness

In addition, a BGAN terminal will provide seamless and reliable internet access for live interviews and social media updates throughout the expedition to help raise awareness of the important work the charity does and highlight the individual stories of veterans taking part.

'Inmarsat is dedicated to supporting the UK's servicemen and servicewomen and I am delighted that our equipment can be used to help the veterans tell their story along the way,' said Jack.

'Walking with the Wounded highlights the plight, programmes and progress of those veterans with 'hidden wounds'. It's easy to see the effects of traumatic physical injury, but there a lot of people who can benefit from assistance with mental health, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Calling home

'Although I do not have a military background, I have close friends who have been affected by their time in service, which is why I'm pleased to be able to support their efforts through Inmarsat's connectivity.'

Veterans have already made calls home on the IsatPhone 2 and checked the latest weather forecasts as the dry season comes to an end, and the BGAN terminal has been used to connect with a school in America to talk about the expedition.