A Mission to Support Veterans and Protect Wildlife
Former Royal Marine Mitch Hutchcraft set out on an extraordinary journey to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. With just 17 days to prepare, he trained relentlessly for a series of gruelling challenges that would take him across continents and to the highest peaks on Earth. But this was never just about personal achievement—it was a mission to support veterans and protect the wildlife they work to safeguard.
His fundraiser backed the Warriors of Hope programme, a pioneering initiative offering animal-assisted therapy for veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD. In partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the programme provided a vital lifeline, helping veterans heal and regain purpose. The funds raised also supported veteran training in wildlife crime prevention, equipping them with skills in anti-poaching, security audits, and leadership.
The demand for these initiatives had been overwhelming, with plans already in motion to expand in 2025. However, the success of these efforts depended on continued donor and sponsor support.
Mitch’s journey has been incredible. He swam the English Channel in 18 hours, cycled 11,000km to India in 132 days, and is currently running 900km to Kathmandu before tackling his final challenge—climbing Mount Everest. Every step reflects his commitment to making a difference.
Though his adventure has taken him far, the journey is not yet complete. There is still more to be done to support veterans and protect endangered wildlife. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Mitch’s progress and how you can continue to help.
Swimming the English Channel
On 15th September 2024, Mitch set off at 4am from Dover, marking the first leg of LIMITLESS. He completed his epic English Channel swim in 18 hours 19 minutes
Key Highlights:
He completed the 18-hour and 19-minute swim, battling strong currents and exhaustion.
Faced brutal conditions, including winds at force 5, far beyond the usual force 3 limit.
Only 3 out of 11 swimmers that day made it to France—Mitch was one of them. Mitch Hutchcraft completed the first leg of his epic fundraiser, raising funds to help us run more animal assisted therapy courses to help veterans with their mental health / PTSD and helping veteran’s to transition into preventing wildlife crime.
“Both shoulders seized up, and I was in so much pain. The weather seriously worsened as we approached French waters… After inhaling more water than I could ever have imagined, I wobbled onto the beach in France at around 10:56pm UK time. 18 hours and 20 minutes later.” - Mitch
Cycling 10,000km to India
After conquering the English Channel, Mitch embarked on a 10,000km cycle to India, a journey that ultimately spanned 11,921km across 18 countries.
After conquering the English Channel, Mitch Hutchcraft embarked on Part 2 of his epic fundraiser—a 10,000km cycle to India, which began on 28th September and was expected to take four months.
Milestones & Challenges
Day 1: Mitch covered three countries—Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany.
Day 7: 700km completed, already dealing with a major puncture.
Day 17: Iranian visa denied last minute, forcing a reroute and risking his Everest summit window.
Day 41: His team's van crashed in Turkey—thankfully, no injuries, and the van remained driveable.
Day 63: 5,000km milestone reached.
Day 66: Military lockdown in Iraq, halting progress.
Day 73: Halfway point—Everest in sight.
Day 80: 7,000km completed.
Day 82: Christmas Day—spent cycling through Dubai in festive pyjamas.
Day 86: Reached the Arabian Peninsula—no land left to cycle.
Day 96: After 10 days of searching for transport, abandoned the sea crossing and flew to Pakistan to keep Everest within reach.
Day 98: Resumed cycling in Pakistan, escorted by police due to safety risks.
Day 109: 9,000km milestone reached, pushing through dangerous fog in Pakistan.
Day 111: More visa troubles at the Islamabad border.
Day 114: Entered India—the final country of the cycling leg.
Day 121: 10,000km reached—visited Wildlife SOS to highlight elephant conservation.
Day 128: Goal surpassed—10,759km completed, 102% of the original target.
Day 132: Cycle leg complete—11,921km across 18 countries
Mitch's Journey in His Own Words
“The Channel was as tough as expected… I could barely move my shoulder or wrist, got tonsillitis and laryngitis, and lost 2kg in six days. But we pushed through and recovered.” – Mitch, Day 1
“Seven hours of non-stop rain… monster hills and detours through forests—definitely the worst day yet. But we keep grinding… It’s only pain, and it doesn’t last forever.” – Mitch, Day 10
"This mission is about more than world records… As a conservationist, I’m shining a light on incredible wildlife sanctuaries along the route. In Austria, I visited the Owl and Bird of Prey Rescue Station… helping bring the bearded vulture back from near extinction." – Mitch, Day 15
“Had the best day at Bear Sanctuary Belitsa in Bulgaria… home to 15 rescued Eurasian brown bears. What does this have to do with my triathlon? We’re raising money for Savsim… helping veterans connect with animals while using their skills to fight wildlife crime.” – Mitch, Day 38
"Military lockdown in Iraq… Baghdad chaos. Just our luck to arrive during the first forced census in 27 years. Time to recalibrate, stretch, and refuel.” – Mitch, Day 66
“HALFWAY TO EVEREST! 6,000km into the longest Everest climb in history… When I stood on that beach in Dover at 3am, I didn’t dare to dream of this point. But here I am—12 countries down, and a long way to go… I will NOT quit.” – Mitch, Day 73
“7,000km in… Trying to feel festive in the desert as we push closer to the ultimate goal. This journey has always been about meeting incredible people, and I’ve been blown away by the kindness I’ve experienced.” – Mitch, Day 80
“CHRISTMAS! Except I’m racing from England to Everest… Had to improvise with ladies’ Christmas pyjamas since I couldn’t find Santa outfits. Got to laugh wherever possible!” – Mitch, Day 82
“The end of the road… for now. This is as far as I can cycle on the Arabian Peninsula. Now we have to find a way to cross the sea to Pakistan—with no passenger ferries. Should be a fun one.” – Mitch, Day 86
“After 10 days in Muscat, we’ve hit a roadblock at every turn. We’ve tried everything—shipping companies, ambassadors, even a prince—but with Everest on the horizon, we have no choice but to fly. A setback, but I won’t let it stop me.” – Mitch, Day 96
“Police escorts through Baluchistan… The people here have been some of the kindest I’ve ever met, but the constant security has made every day more difficult.” – Mitch, Day 98
“100 days in. 8,343km done. Continents crossed, bonds forged, cars crashed, perspectives changed. Here’s to the next 100—and then some.” – Mitch, Day 100
“Crossing into India was surreal… The last country of the cycle phase. It feels like yesterday I was lost in a German forest questioning my life choices. But here we are.” – Mitch, Day 114
“10,000km cycled, 18 countries crossed… Hard to process where the time has gone. The last stretch has been brutal, but I’m beyond proud to hit this milestone.” – Mitch, Day 121
“11,921km. Cycle across the world—complete. It’s been the greatest challenge of my life, and I am feeling so grateful… and relieved. But now, the real pain begins.” – Mitch, Day 132
After four months, 18 countries, and nearly 12,000km, Mitch completed the second phase of his journey. But his toughest challenge is still ahead—a 900km ultra marathon, a 250km trek to Everest Base Camp, and the final push to the summit.
Impossible? Maybe. But Mitch isn’t stopping now.
Running 900km from India to Kathmandu
On 14th February, Mitch kicked off the next stage of his endurance challenge—running 900km from sea level in India to Kathmandu, Nepal. After cycling nearly 12,000km, this phase demanded extreme resilience.
Milestones & Challenges
Day 139 (14th Feb): First day of running—extreme cramps and exhaustion kicked in early.
Day 140: 101km completed, body struggling to adjust after months on a bike.
Day 143: 271km in—running through forests, dodging tuk-tuks, and reflecting on the journey so far.
Mitch's Journey in His Own Words
“Sea-Level to Summit of Everest begins tomorrow… I’ll be running nearly a marathon a day for 900km, trekking from Kathmandu to Base Camp, and climbing Everest. I haven’t run in six months. If I get injured, I’m toast. But it’s got to be done, so I’ll do it.” – Mitch, Day 138
“Not gonna lie, it hurt. Bad. After 20km, I had chronic cramp and had to limp over for food. Every part of my legs was screaming. But I knew this would be brutal. I just need to listen to my body and pray the pain doesn’t turn into injury.” – Mitch, Day 139
“Chronic cramps, swollen knees, shins on fire… I’m not ashamed to say a few painkillers have been popped. But pain is temporary. No matter what kind of pain—physical, mental, emotional—it will NOT last forever. I’ll keep pushing because, without this, the victory wouldn’t be as sweet.” – Mitch, Day 140
“Running through the Indian forest today was unreal—nothing but the sound of birds and monkeys. Nature has a way of giving us power, and it helped take the pain away today. Also just realised I’m in king cobra and leopard country, so I need to watch my footing.” – Mitch, Day 143
As of 26th February, Mitch is over 270km into the 900km ultra-marathon. The road ahead is still long, but quitting isn’t an option.
Next stop: Kathmandu. Then, Everest.
Follow Mitch's Journey with daily updates: https://www.instagram.com/_mitchhutch/
Mitch’s Commitment to SAVSIM
Mitch’s challenge is about more than just pushing physical limits—it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and wildlife conservation efforts.
"Had the best day at Bear Sanctuary Belitsa in Bulgaria… home to 15 rescued Eurasian brown bears. What does this have to do with my triathlon? We’re raising money for Savsim… helping veterans connect with animals while using their skills to fight wildlife crime." – Mitch, Day 38
"Our second day in Kurdistan was truly one to remember… transporting rescued porcupines, Arabian foxes, and a buzzard back into the wild. It was a privilege to see firsthand the impact of conservation efforts. Much like our chosen charity SAVSIM, these teams are utilising skills to battle wildlife crime." – Mitch, Day 60
"HALF WAY TO EVEREST!! 6,000km into the longest climb of Everest in history… When I stood on that beach in Dover, I didn’t dare to dream of this point. But here I am, 12 countries and counting. We are a long way from the finish line… but I will NOT quit. If you can spare a few pounds, please donate to SAVSIM." – Mitch, Day 73
"7,000km into a triathlon to the top of the world… This journey was always about meeting incredible people, and I’ve been blown away by the kindness I’ve experienced. Without your support, this would be a much more lonely mission. Please donate to SAVSIM." – Mitch, Day 80
"9,000km down and still 4 months remaining! Some of the most dangerous conditions and fog I’ve ever ridden in, but we keep pushing. The warm curiosity of every person I encounter makes it all worth it. If you can, please support SAVSIM." – Mitch, Day 109
"It’s been 129 days on the bike, but I need your help to change lives. This journey is more than breaking records—it’s to raise funds for SAVSIM. They provide a mental health course for veterans and send them to help anti-poaching and wildlife conservation projects. If everyone following donated just £2.50, we could hit our target!" – Mitch, Day 129
"11,921km Cycle Across the World STAGE 2 IS IN THE BAG… It has been the greatest adventure and challenge of my life, and I am feeling so grateful. Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission. Please continue to share and donate to SAVSIM." – Mitch, Day 132
"This mission is more than just a personal dream… With your incredible support, it has now become a chance to make a genuine change for so many people while saving incredible wildlife at the same time. SAVSIM is an amazing but small organisation that needs our help!" – Mitch, Day 143
A Message from Joe Giordano, CEO & Co-founder of SAVSIM CIC
As CEO of SAVSIM CIC, I have listened to many veterans who have attended our animal-assisted therapy programmes. They have shared their battles with mental health and PTSD, and how these programmes have changed their lives. I have also witnessed the impact of veterans engaging in wildlife conservation—returning from South Africa after inspiring and training rangers, touching a rhino’s skin for the first time, or seeing an elephant in the wild.
This is why SAVSIM CIC was established four years ago: to support veterans and prevent wildlife crime.
Mitch Hutchcraft is a key member of our Fundraising and Development Committee, and I am in awe of his challenge—one that will ultimately end on the summit of Mount Everest.
Please visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved and donate. With your help, we can run more animal-assisted therapy programmes in partnership with ZSL and support more veterans in transitioning into wildlife crime prevention.
Support the Mission
Every step of Mitch's journey is fuelled by supporters like you. If you're inspired by his challenge, consider donating to SAVSIM to help provide therapy for veterans and protect endangered wildlife.
-Joe Giordano, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder.
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