HE DID IT!!

On Sunday 11th April at 12:00, ex-Navy man Christopher Brisley became the first person to succesfully run from Ilfracombe to Plymouth in under 24hrs.

Chris, who grew up in Devon trained for over 6 months to achieve this incredible feat. His gruelling run took him from Ilfracombe at 12:00 on Saturday 10th April along the North Devon coastline passing through Woolacombe, Croyde and Braunton before heading inland to tackle a very dark and extremely cold Dartmoor. The temperatures caused Chris considerable problems on the run. He explains "The unexpected hot temperatures on Saturday casued huge energy losses making it really difficult to cope with the cold at night which dropped to almost zero in Dartmoor especially over the hills. The support team were fantastic and encouraged me all the way. I got hundreds of messages of support on Facebook and Twitter which really helped to keep my spirits up. All I could think of was finishing. I was determined not to let anyone down, especially all our veterans and service families"

Several members of the armed forces supported Chris throughout the run which was dedicated to 3 Commando Brigade following the deployment of 40 Commando to Afghanistan last week. Chris said "The Commandos aren't just Royal Marines but detachments from all three services. The route I took passed through towns that are home to 3 Brigade and have been for many years. In the last 10 years they have suffered losses that have affectes so many especially in small communities like the South West and Devon. It is not only the Commandos themselves that have been courageous but their friends and families too so it is important to me help too. 

Chris is hoping that the Devon Commando 101 run will raise £25,000 for PROJECT 65 - The Veterans Charity. You can sponsor Chris's amazing efforts at www.takeachallenge.co.uk or for £3 send a text saying 'P65 101' to 70007.