Some of you may remember my husband, Andrew MacKinnon who served with the Regiment between 1989-1999.  Since leaving he has kept close ties with the Regiment and has kept in touch with many friends, some who've left, but many who are still serving.  When I mentioned my challenge, his thoughts turned straight to the Regiment and the opportunity to raise funds for the Regimental Association.

On Saturday 28th August  I participated in the Ridgeway Challenge. It was an arduous 86 mile non stop run along the length of the Ridgeway - a 5000 year old trackway across the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs, taking in the hill forts of Grim's Ditch, Barbury and Liddington Castles en route including 9,000 feet of ascent.   The run started at Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring in Buckinghamshire at 1200 on Saturday and I jogged into the finish at Avebury, nr Marlborough in Wiltshire shortly after 1200 the following day - a little over 24 hours later - having run day and night (with a little walking!)   I was hoping to complete the challenge slightly faster but I was ecstatic just to finish!  The checkpoints with their welcoming smiles, tea and biscuits were perhaps a little too attractive and I spent a few minutes too long at each one! 

I  had run several marathons and a shorter ultra marathon (half the distance) so I had wanted to find a challenge worthy of such an exceptional cause. The Royal Dragoon Guards, who are currently serving in Afghanistan have like many other regiments suffered fatalities and casualties in Helmand province.  Many will be affected for years to come from their experiences out there - families of the bereaved and injured soldiers will need support both now and in the years ahead.  I am hoping that my sponsorship given so generously by all of you will go a little way to help them in the future.

I shall be keeping the Just giving site open for a month or two yet and whilst my feet and legs still ache - I know it was very little hardship to have put myself through, particularly as any pain I experienced will disappear within days.

kind regards

Henrietta

Fare Thee Well         Quis Separabit

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