The 'expedition' has now been completed successfully.  Those that have made pledges or still wish to donate should do so on this site before 31st October 2008.  All new donations will be  added to our total and go direct to the charity as before.  Thank you to all of you that are kind enough to give to this fantastic charity.  Best wishes, Andy and John.

ALL MONIES DONATED THROUGH THIS SITE WILL GO STRAIGHT TO THE CHARITY AND ATTRACT AN ADDITIONAL 28%  GIFT AID IF YOU ARE A UK TAX PAYER.  WITH GIFT AID IT IS HOPED TO RAISE A TOTAL OF £3000.   

www.justgiving.com/end2endlejog

If preferred cheques can also be sent - payable to ASC Buchan,

14 Cutters Wharf, Shelly Road, Exmouth EX8 1XS.  Thank you.

The Tremendously worthwhile Task:  To provide a Gymnasium and Swimming Pool at the Tri-Service Rehabilitation Centre where injured servicemen returning from Iraq or Afghanistan are helped to recuperate.  The registered charity Help for Heroes, at the request of their main trustee, General Sir Richard Dannatt (Chief of the General Staff), is attempting to raise £7,000,000 to pay for these two completely new facilities.  Almost £6,600,000 has been raised so far ;and with a final big push it is hoped the digging will start in October 2008.  Patrons and Trustees include: Johnson Beharry VC, Jeremy Clarkson, Anika Rice, Andy McNab, James Blunt.  Harry and William are also strong supporters and are also doing their best to help raise funds.

The Team:  Lieutenant Colonel John Ensor and retired army officer Andy Buchan.  Having both reached or come close to 50 years of age  (and being somewhat overweight and unfit), it was decided that if they were going to help with this fantastic project - it had to be now, (before body frames and facilties degenerate further!).  Both team members have served alongside Richard Dannatt and know him to be a man of his word with a propensity to spend far more time looking after his men than others might.  There is no doubt that with your help he will continue to see that these young injured men and women from all services are looked after with these extra facilities that the Government doesn't  provide.

The Tribulation (or 1000 mile cycle).

The cycle ride from Landsend to John O'Groats is normally cycled over a two to three week period.  To make it a worthwhile challenge the team hope to accomplish it in about 10 days - around 100 miles per day - which for us is both very difficult and very painfull, as confirmed by recent practice sessions.  The route we intend to follow is shown below:  (We have left available a 'just in case day' - which hopefully will not be required).  Accommodation is likely to be B&B along the route.  A mad scramble for a room at the end of the day will no doubt be one of our big logistical challenges!!

LANDSEND/OKEHAMPTON, OKEHAMPTON/BRISTOL, BRISTOL/TELFORD, TELFORD/LANCASTER, LANCASTER/LOCKERBIE, LOCKERBIE/TARBET, TARBET/FORTWILLIAM, FORTWILLIAM TO DORNOCH, DORNOCH TO JOHN O'GROATS

For those sponsers providing an email address we will try and give you an update on our progress along the way.  Thank you for doing this ....it's a great cause for people who have done great things for all of us.  Summed up perhaps in the poem below:

The Cost of a Soldier

A True Soldier is tough indeed
standing tall and strong when there is a need
A Soldier also feels sadness, pain, and sorrow
Sometimes not looking forward to the trials of tomorrow

When a Soldier is wounded in battle
the nerves of his buddies it does rattle
When news reaches friends and family at home
how their worries and minds begin to roam

A wounded Soldier feels inadequate at best
stopping him from much needed healing rest
A wounded Soldiers wonders will he ever be alright,
trusting in God that he'll make it through the night.

When a Soldier is wounded far beyond repair

the loss and pain felt can not compare
The Cost of a Soldier is set so very high
they assure our freedom will always apply

To stand beside a Soldier and walk through his pain
will humble a civilian, no longer to complain
Love, patience, trust and hope is what a Soldier needs
to get them through some very treacherous deeds

Dear Lord please watch over our Military today
as they work to keep our freedom everyday
For the wounded and the families of Soldiers lost
Please Bless them with abundant love, for we know not the cost.

The Cost of a Soldier is set so very high
our support for them we should never deny

Many thanks - Andy Buchan/John Ensor