Well hello everybody, many thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
UPDATE: I did it - finished the run in one piece, arriving at Portsmouth Ferry Terminal shortly before 7am on the Friday morning and completing the event at 00:16 on Pegasus Bridge itself. Very painful, but worth every step. It was really moving to meet some of the veterans at the ceremony on Saturday too. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT - IT REALLY HELPS A LOT OF NEEDY PEOPLE, YOUNG AND OLD.
Here's the old message: "Every five years or so, I decide to go on a long run, the last one being the Reykjavik Marathon in 2004. I heard a few weeks ago that a group called Project 65 has organised a really long run: 65 miles - that's 2.5 marathons without a break! I signed up immediately.
It is themed around the 65th anniversary of D-Day, starting at Tarrant Rushton Airfield in Dorset and finishing at Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, where one of the first allied combat operations of that momentous day started, at just past midnight on June 6th 1944. My grandfather went over to Normandy on D-Day + 4, which also means a lot to me.
What attracted me to this challenge (apart from the running and a ferry ride) is the chance to raise money to support all those struggling with injury and disability, and to provide for them, their partners, or for the widows, widowers or children of those who are no longer with us. No doubt many of us would rather there were no wars, but their effects have been profound and long-lasting for many people.
Donations will support six charities, including St Dunstan's, a care home for blind ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen of all ages in Sussex. It was home to recently deceased (July 18th 2009) Henry Allingham, 113, who was briefly the oldest man in the world, and saw action at the Battle of Jutland 94 years ago! Harry Patch, 111, who has also sadly died since my run. fought at the third battle of Ypres and was wounded in the trenches in 1917. He continued to amaze me with the number of public engagements he attended to raise awareness of what they and millions like them witnessed in World War I. If on the day I can muster a fraction of their stamina, I expect I'll get to the finish line in one piece!
So feel free to help provide comfort to those who really need it, all of whom display amazing levels of courage and fortitude in the face of adversity.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and secure. Project 65 gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving adds 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement to your donation.
You may notice that I have now already well exceeded my sponsorship target - which is amazing - thank you! But do feel free to sponsor me still, as it all helps!
Thanks so much for your support.
Ben 'I only managed 60 miles in training' Pollard
