Richard Bowyer, a former Royal Marine, is joining fellow veterans in an eight-day long continuous speed march from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
The ‘Bootneck Yomp’ will see each runner carry 20lbs, with a minimum of two running at all times, and will see each of the 25 veterans run at least a marathon every day of the march, which once completed will be a world record.
Collectively they hope to raise a minimum of £500,000 for a range of charities including Combat Stress, The Royal Marines Charity, Papyrus (Teen Suicide), Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research.
Sutton Scotney firefighter Richard Bowyer said:
“I’m doing this not only to set myself a significant physical challenge and go for a world record attempt, but also to be part of a team achieving far more together than we ever could alone.
“It’s about brotherhood, purpose, and giving something back. One of the reasons I joined the fire service was for the sense of belonging and service, something I struggled to replicate after the Royal Marines.
“We’re raising money for people fighting cancer, dementia, and mental health challenges. If we can make just one person’s life better, then we’ve done well.”
Setting off on 1st November, they will be joined by fellow veteran Royal Marine Commandos, and throughout will be supported by a team managing transport and logistics.
The Bootnecks taking part have served across the globe on a full range of operational deployments and exercises, yet now as civilians have volunteered their time and energy to take on this challenge.
Backed by his firefighter colleagues, who hope to join him on part of the route, Richard’s challenge comes shortly after the Service was recognised for its commitment to the armed forces, having been awarded a silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
A new armed forces focused network group has also been set-up across the organisation.
FireFORCES aims to bring together and streamline all strands of work within HIWFRS involving armed forces communities both internally within the Service, as well as our communities. These include veterans, reservists, cadet leaders and families of those serving in the armed forces.
The network group also seeks to provide a supportive network to employees who are part of our armed forces community.
You can show your support to Richard and his fellow Bootnecks by donating to their challenge on their JustGiving page.
