50 Veterans from the Light Infantry will walk 50 miles in an attempt to raise £50,000 in support of The Light Infantry Association in its 50th year in June 2018 (50 50 50 50). This is our way of saying thank you to a fantastic organisation that helps so many Soldiers and their families, through some difficult times. They also organise a fantastic reunion each year in the Historic town of Shrewsbury, where the 50 mile march with end on the first day of the reunion on 15th June 2018.

It's been a long time since we have covered any form of distance, and this is, by no means, a walk in the park. My dodgy knee and knackered hip will be coming along with me, along with 49 old soldiers who are determined to make this work. Your support is greatly needed. I did the Great North Run two years ago and your support was what got me across the line. Please help drive me on again. I don't get much walking done in my current location due to the restrictions placed on me. But i will do my best to get fitter and stronger to make the distance. Yes it will hurt, blisters will form, as they did many years ago when I and all these other old dogs of war worked hard day and night, in all weathers at home and on foreign soil to allow you all the freedoms you still enjoy today.

As a Northeast lad now living near Durham City, I am constantly reminded of the commitment and dedication many from the region have, and still make to the regiment. The Durham Light Infantry until 1968, followed by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (4th) Battalions of Light Infantry until they reformed into what we all know now as "The Rifles" in which my oldest son serves proudly.

Since the day i told fibs about my age (12yrs old, had to be 13.5 to join) to join the Army cadets in Sunderland to this current day i have protected, and served. It will be 41 years of supporting Queen and Country. Please support me in raising the £1000.00 needed, between now and June 15th 2018. No matter how big or small the amount donated, all donations will be acknowledged personally. I want to do the very best i can, my old school motto is, "effort knows, not defeat".

I am determined that, "my efforts, will not know defeat".

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Please donate and comment.

Love to all

Shaun, aka, Schlav, Lav, Lava