An entire squadron of soldiers pulled their weight and marched 14km from St Julian’s to Valletta, each with a 20kg backpack, to raise money for cancer foundation Puttinu Cares.

The 110 soldiers from the Armed Forces of Malta’s C (Special Duties) Company took part in the initiative, setting off from St George’s Bay in St Julian’s at 8am.

After slipping on their gear and carefully warming up, the soldiers marched past the Love monument in Spinola, into Sliema and then stopped at Ta’ Xbiex marina.

Here a group of 26 soldiers – each having been sponsored €500 by a business – plunged into the cold water and swam across to Haywharf in Floriana.

The remainder carried on to Valletta, passing through Ħamrun and finishing in St George’s Square, some wearing tops with the names of companies that had given them a €50 sponsorship. As they walked down Republic Street, the group were met by members of the army band, including a piper.

The company marched in military formation until they reached the square to several rounds of applause from the public.

Meanwhile, throughout the walk, volunteers and soldiers from other squadrons collected donations from passersby.

An army spokesman said the idea came about following a visit by the C Company to the Rainbow Ward where they visited sick children. The soldiers felt they wanted to “do something small but effective” and give something back to the children.

As a result, they decided to raise money for Puttinu Cares, an organisation that supports families whose children have cancer.

The fundraiser started with officers of the company donating blood two weeks ago. The final amount raised will be announced next week.

Those interested can send an SMS to 5061 7380 to donate €2.33 until the middle of next week.