The first ever Forces March....

On Thursday 27th May, following many months of planning and very hard training, 123 incredible people gathered in Ilfracombe, North Devon for the start of a very special annual event - The Forces March.

The march was created to raise funds for Project 65 - The Veterans Charity as well as bring members of Military, Emergency Services and Civilian communities together.

The participants entered either as individuals or as part of a team. The route of the march takes the walkers and runners through North Devon, Somerset and finally Wiltshire finishing at The Forces Festival, Bulford Camp on Monday 31st May.

The inspiration for The Forces March was a legendary march which took place in August 1942 as men of the newly formed 6th Airborne Division were in early training for D-Day and were issued one last task by General Richard 'Windy' Gale - to march from Ilfracombe back to Bulford Camp. A distance of over 130 miles.

The present day marchers had 5 days to complete the highly challenging event. Many battled through very bad blisters, strains, sprains and worn out muscles but they managed to cross the line with smiles, happy that they had done their bit for veterans. In 1942, the men of 6th Airborne Division carried up to 80lbs and wore full kit. They also completed the distance in 3.5 days! Testimony to how fit they were.

Individual participant Noel Jones said "I really enjoyed it and I was proud to be allowed to march in the company of so many wonderful people. Please pass on thanks to everyone involved. I hope that between us we've raised some serious money for the charity. I hope to be able to do it again next year......."

The total sum raised is not yet known but we expect it to be well in excess of £75,000 which will go towards helping to provide vital care and support for the thousands of UK veterans and their families.

Chief Executive of Project 65 - The Veterans Charity, Danny Greeno said "we are extremely proud to have been supported by so many amazing people. Not only did we have entries from current services people but also many former forces personnel as well as Police teams and dozens of civilians all of whom wanted to do there bit to make a difference. We were so well supported along the way by the people of Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire and I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who helped make the first Forces March such a huge success.

We will be launching entries for The Forces March 2011 later this summer!