We are really excited for this outrageous undertaking! Our goal is to walk to France from Bedford within 5 days. The total journey is around 230 miles, starting from The Keep in Bedford travelling ground to reach the Ancre Cemetery in France situated at the heart of The Somme. Our goal is to set out on the 9th November 2022 and arrive in time for the last post on remembrance Sunday.

230 miles in 5 days in November seems crazy right? Sure, it is! However our route follows that of those in the First World War who journeyed to France, marching into battle and paying the ultimate price for our country and our freedoms.

Please give generously for these worthy causes, any monies raised over our target will be sent to the British Armed Forces benevolent fund.

We will be splitting the £50,000 total between three very worthwhile causes; the first is the MIND mental health charity , the second is in support of Martin’s brother-in-law Dan, who has been tragically diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, the third is the MCF 2026.

Our team consists of:

Martin Shaw, James Lees and a couple of other serving members of the Armed forces who will be joining us intermittently through the route

Links to the charities can be found here:

MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/

MCF Festival https://www.bedfordshirefreemasons.org/2026-festival/

Dan’s story: https://www.thecomet.net/news/help-dan-living-with-cancer-8636670

Army Benevolent Fund: https://soldierscharity.org/

For those wanting to sponsor on a per mile basis, we will cap the trip at 230 miles! Even if we have to cover more ground!

We will be sleeping rough on the route, again to match what our ancestor soldiers had to endure, our packs, our boots, our socks and our strong determined Spirit!

We know that there are many worthwhile causes to support with your hard earned money, we are extremely appreciative therefore of any contribution that you can give.