1,000kg field gun travelling the length of the UK arrives in Cornwall
The challenge has been supported by the World’s Strongest Man
A one-tonne field gun - being hauled the entire length of Britain - rolls into Bude today.
The team of soldiers and veterans behind the charity challenge were in Taunton, Barnstaple and Exter earlier this week before reaching Okehampton yesterday and taking on the 28-mile stretch to North Cornwall.
The 1,000-mile journey is coordinated by Military vs Cancer with the aim of raising £150,000 to alleviate the effects of cancer for Military personnel and their families.
David Bathgate, CEO of Military vs Cancer who came up with the idea and is taking part in the full challenge, said: “Cancer affects so many within the Armed Forces community, whether serving, veterans, or their families.
“Military vs Cancer is dedicated to providing direct support to those who need it most, and this event is about showing what can be achieved when people come together with determination and purpose.”
The challenge started from John O’Groats on the tip of Scotland, on 1 September with a team of 20 military, veterans, volunteers and celebrities pulling the gun – which is has heavy as a full-grown male giraffe – between 20 and 25-miles a day.
Due to the strain, the team has been changing daily with the whole challenge involving around 1,300 volunteers pulling the deadweight for up to ten hours a day.
The challenge is expected to take 45 days in total – with the team hoping to reach the finish at Land’s End later this month.
The money raised will be going towards nursing care, travel costs for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks, special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis, and peer group support.
Mark Barnes, a trustee of Military vs Cancer who served from 1988 to 1996 as a weapons engineer, has also joined the challenge.
He said: “This is a cause very close to my heart. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 16, so I know first-hand how important it is to receive support from charities. With my own military background, and my son having served a submariner for nearly nine years, it means even more to me.”
About taking part in the challenge, he continued: “What an incredible experience. Nothing prepares you for how heavy that gun is – it’s really tough to get moving, and you feel every bump and gradient the road offers up.
“It means so much to represent the military on this challenge and to personally be a small part of this epic achievement, which I’m sure will not only be remembered for the enormity of the challenge, but also for the money it raises to help military families around the UK deal with their battle with cancer.”
Mr Bathgate added: “This all wouldn’t be possible without the support of thousands of volunteers, companies and members of the public who are donating to the charity- and we’d like to thank the local people for coming out to cheer us on in advance.
“Every donation makes a difference.”
Although not being verified as a World Record, organisers believe this to be the first time a 1-ton field gun has been pulled the entire length of the country.
The official Crowdfunder page can be found here.