Bad Lads Army star to trek across Sahara for charity

BAD Lads Army star Cpl Richard Nauyokas is to trek 110 miles across the Sahara Desert in a bid to raise money for a charity to close to his heart.

Cpl Nauyokas, of Billingborough, shot to fame as section leader in the ITV show aimed at reforming teenage layabouts with 1950s style 'national service'.

Good lad: TV star Richard Nauyokas and wife Liz are preparing to trek through the Sahara Desert for charity. Above, Cpl Nauyokas in Bad Lads Army

He will be joined by his wife Liz and the Pilgrim Bandits – a group of people who have also signed up for the Sahara Challenge 2009.

The group is undertaking this mammoth challenge to raise money for Help the Heroes, a charity set up to help provide better facilities for wounded British servicemen and women.

Cpl Nauyokas, known as 'Nooky', and Liz are aiming to raise at least £2,500 and in the last nine weeks have already raised nearly £1,000 between them.

They are now calling for the local community to help support them.

Cpl Nauyokas told the Target: "The Pilgrim Bandits held this event last year, so I decided to help them out.

"At first I was going to offer my support by driving to each location where they would be stopping – then I was roped into taking part in the trek.

"My wife also wanted to take part so we have become a duo.

"I am sure it will be a challenge as I love the cold and Liz loves the heat. In the desert it's very hot in the day but the temperature drops to about one degree at night.

"This charity is very close to my heart. I have more than 23 years military training.

"Anyone who gets on that plane to go to war is a hero.

"Going to war can be horrific and can really play on your mind."

Cpl Nauyokas joined the Army in 1980 as a driver, progressing to a physical instructor training recruits.

He served in many countries, including Bosnia and Germany before joining Bad Lads Army.

He has also appeared on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and VIP Commando.

After leaving the TV series Cpl Nauyokas set up his own business, Not All Bad Ltd, in which he holds motivational camps for youngsters and works with prisoners.

For further information, or to sponsor the couple, email lizannuk@btinternet.com