BFBS Dino-Dash 2026

Green textured background, text 'The BFBS Dino-Dash'.

Join the cause...

Hi, I’m Richard Hatch, a presenter at BFBS, and this October I’m leading a team on a challenge that’s going to test our legs, our lungs and probably our sanity!

On Tuesday 6 October, we’ll be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge — a 24-mile mountain route through the Yorkshire Dales, taking in Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, all in a single day.

We’ll set off at 6am, with a target finish of 6pm. Twelve hours, three peaks and 24 miles of walking, climbing and questionable decision-making!

We’re also incredibly proud to be joined by SAS legend Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, who will be taking on the challenge with us and no doubt keeping morale (and discipline!) high when the going gets tough.

And we’re in very safe hands on the day — Mark Airey and Team True Spirit will be leading the walk and are fully in charge of route planning, safety and health & safety, making sure we get everyone up, down and back in one piece.

We’ll also be joined along the way by a fantastic group of BFBS listeners, serving military personnel, veterans and representatives from military charities and beneficiary organisations. Meet the current team who have signed up below.

So why Dino-Dash? 🦖

Well, we’ve got a secret weapon for when morale starts to dip. We’ll have dinosaur outfits with us, ready to put on at key points during the challenge when we need a bit of a boost! Because when the going gets tough, sometimes you just need a stupid outfit to lift your spirits!

But behind the silliness is a really serious and important cause.

The BFBS Big Salute raises vital funds and awareness for smaller Armed Forces charities supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. This year’s theme is ‘The Op Summit Challenge’, encouraging us to climb our way towards a mountain of cash for military charities.

So while we tackle three very real mountains, I’m hoping you’ll help us create a mountain of donations too.

Every donation, big or small, will make a genuine difference. And when the legs are aching and we’re wondering why we thought this was a good idea, knowing we’re doing it to support our Armed Forces community will keep us going.

Please donate if you can, share this page with your friends and family, and get behind the BFBS Dino-Dash.

Tune in to BFBS radio throughout the day for live updates.

Thank you so much for your support. ❤️

24 miles. 3 peaks. 12 hours. SAS legend on the team. Serving personnel, veterans and charity leaders walking with us. Expert safety leadership. Dinosaur morale when required. One very good cause.

Meet the team

Photograph of Richard Hatch, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Richard Hatch

Richard Hatch is an award-winning BFBS radio presenter and producer who has spent 30 years broadcasting alongside HM Forces worldwide, including the Falklands, Bosnia, Belize, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Kosovo and Afghanistan. He has won multiple New York Radio Festival awards, holds a Guinness World Record for the longest underwater radio broadcast, and in his spare time makes things out of wood that tend to wobble.

Photograph of Billy Billingham, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Billy Billingham MBE QCB

Joining the BFBS Yorkshire Three Peaks team is Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE, ex SAS Sergeant Major and DS of Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins.

He is a British former soldier as well as an author, television personality and security consultant.

Photograph of Sally Orange, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Sally Orange MBE

Sally Orange MBE is a former British Army Major, turned endurance athlete, professional speaker and cancer survivor who has completed some of the world’s toughest challenges, using adventure and a healthy dose of humour to inspire others, raise awareness and support charities close to her heart.

Photograph of Oliver Aspinall, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Oliver Aspinall

"I left the Army in May 2026 after 24 years of service. Almost 16 years ago, following my third Op Herrick tour, Herrick 13, my mental and emotional health deteriorated significantly. I was diagnosed with psychotic depression and suicidal ideation and began a long six-year journey towards recovery.

It introduced me to a different way of looking at myself, my experiences and the world around me. It ultimately led me towards yoga, and I began training as a yoga therapist through a school in Rishikesh, India.

I am taking part in the challenge representing the Felix Fund (the Bomb Disposal Charity), who have provided me with invaluable support."

Photograph of Mark Airey, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Mark Airey BEM

Mark Airey is the founder of Team True Spirit, a veterans’ charity that uses physical activity, challenge and the power of belonging to support people living with service-attributable injury and illness.

A highly experienced Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor with more than 25 years working in rehabilitation, education and physical activity, Mark has spent much of his career helping people rediscover what they are capable of. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work with Team True Spirit and is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Salford.

For Mark, it has never simply been about reaching the finish line. It’s about giving people the opportunity to Believe, Belong and Be You.

Photograph of Pen Rainford, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Pen Rainford

"Hi I’m Richard's big sister although in reality I’m his little sister and he is my big brother! I wanted to do this challenge to support him the way he has always looked after and supported me in my life.

I’m extremely proud to be a mum to five wonderful children and a grandmother to two beautiful girls. I hope my love of challenges might inspire them in the future to believe you can do anything if you commit and put your mind to it."

Photograph of Andy Stretton, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Andy Stretton

"I joined Warwickshire Police in 1990 doing 30 years, over half of which was on a police helicopter as a Tactical Flight Officer. Retiring from Warwickshire Police in 2020, I joined British Transport Police Communications staff working in the control room in Birmingham.

In 2025 I went part time, then on finding I was getting a bit bored, I found myself a second part time job delivering beer in an un-air-conditioned white van for Church End Brewery near Atherstone."

Photograph of Steve King, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Steve King

At 53, Liverpool-born Steve King has spent over 30 years in the RAF before moving to BAE Systems, where he now works as an Aerospace Engineer, supporting fast-jet aircraft. Away from work, Steve enjoys DIY, travel, walking, Liverpool FC and the occasional glass of red wine, the amount normally depends on the Liverpool’s result!

Now he’s taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, despite wondering how long it’ll be before he’s asking, “Whose idea was this?” and “How much further?” Steve’s philosophy is simple: walking is best when there’s a pub at the end!

Photograph of Sue Moxley Rainford, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Sue Mosley

Joining the BFBS team for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in October is Sue Mosley, CEO of BOWRA Foundation, enthusiastic walker, occasional wild swimmer and someone who apparently thought three peaks in one day sounded like a perfectly sensible idea.

Sue is particularly excited to be joining the BFBS team because The Big Salute has supported BOWRA Foundation with a grant to help people in the Armed Forces community living with the lasting effects of brain injury. Having seen first-hand the difference that this support can make, Sue is passionate about giving something back.

Photograph of Chris Martell, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Chris Martell

"I'm a former infantry soldier both regular and reservist. I started listening to BFBS in Germany a long time ago, back when the radio shows were in "black and white"!

Since leaving the army I've spent 22 years in in the NHS Ambulance Service and the last 6 years working in reality TV as a Multi Skilled Advisor - varying shows such as 'Traitors' and 8 series of 'Race Across the World', however could this challenge be my toughest yet?"

Photograph of Joe Stretton, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Joe Stretton

"Joined the army in 2017 straight after leaving college at 17 complete training at Army Foundation College Harrogate moving to Bovington to complete my trade training as a Challenger 2 driver, In March 2019 I Joined the Queens Royal Hussars in Germany for a short period of time before the Regiment moved back to the UK.

Hobbies playing ice hockey for the Army All-stars ice hockey in my first season. A mechanic for the British Army motorsport Karting team but in my last season with the team due to Squadron taskings for 2027."

Photograph of Kristina Stretton, one of the team members from the Dino Dash.

Kristina Stretton

"I joined the Royal Air Force in 2023 and currently serve as an Avionics Technician at RAF Brize Norton, working on the A400M Atlas fleet. Outside of work, I stay active through gym training, kickboxing and regular parkruns.

My main passion, however, is American football. I’ve played as a defensive back for the Peterborough Royals Women for eight seasons and was recently honored with a spot on the Great Britain Women’s practice squad. I also love getting involved in charity events, with my most recent highlight being an abseil down Peterborough Cathedral."

What is the Big Salute?

The BFBS Big Salute is our annual campaign that raises vital funds for armed forces charities and is separate to grants awarded under the BFBS Welfare Fund scheme. 

Find out more