Updated on Sep 2nd 2012 at 8:06 PM from the JustGiving API

Hello Everyone!! It is now officially weeks after our epic journey, may I extend another big thank you to everyone for your kind support form the whole of the Lympstone to Arbroath Team. What's next I hear you cry???? Hold on to your saddles, we have a cunning plan!!

Updated on Aug 20th 2012 at 6:27 AM from the JustGiving API

Good Morning All, last day today 87.4 miles. Into Edinburgh, through Dundee (maybe get some cake?) then onto Arbroath. Mega!!!

Updated on Jul 28th 2012 at 6:32 PM from the JustGiving API

Greetings all, we cracked a 42 miler today CTCRM Lympstone to Taunton as a bit of a Recce of the route! Sean Steve Phil & Titch! Nice route shame about the Pot Trenches! (same as pot holes but much deeper)

Updated on Jul 3rd 2012 at 7:57 PM from the JustGiving API

Many thanks to everyone who have sponsored me so far! I shall think of you all as I tap tap tap at the peddles! Your all great:-)

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In March 1987 I started training to become a Royal Marine at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.  I was one of a handful of junior Marines which basically meant we were very young (16-18) and they could pay us half of what they paid everybody else!  

This is where I met Rags (Martin) my saviour, he could bull boots better than any guardsman and I had a special talent for buffing brass.  He did boots I did brass which worked extrememly well throughout training as neither of us were ever on the flank (not good!).   

We were evidently only 16 so when we were granted shore leave we could not get a drink anywhere except the snooker club in Exeter - brandishing our newly purchased cues we would play all day wth the games deteriating into the night.  This was our one respite from the savages of Lympstone, it kept us sane along with a shared KFC bargain bucket on the train back to Commando Halt.

The troup's motto throughout training was "If your gonna be a bear be a grizzly".

On Friday 13th November 1987 we at aged 17 were 2 of 12 "Grizzly's" from 52 originals who started in '532 troop' we fulfilled our dreams of passing out as Royal Marine Commandos. 

Martin was destined for 45 Commando in Arbroath and I was heading to Plymouth to join 42 Commando. We agreed to stay in touch and looked forward to a reunion that winter in Norway.

On 15th November 1987 whilst on weekend leave prior to taking his first posting at RM Condor in Arbroath, his life was cut short after a motor bike accident near his home. He was 17 years old.

Returning from my first posting of two weeks based at Canterbury Careers office I was blissfully unaware that Rags had been killed. I had not informed and so was unable to attend his funeral and say a proper goodbye to my best mate.

So 25 years after his accident, I shall be joining his 'little sis' Emma by cycling from Lympstone to Arbroath, a total of 575 miles over 8 days, remembering Martin and honouring his life, whilst raising money for a charity very close to any Royal Marine's heart; The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, they make a significant difference to Royal Marines and their families when unforeseen events change and alter their lives forever.

If you too fancy a challenge why not join us? Come along on either 1 or more of the stages and raise money for this fantastic cause. We would also appreciate any support long the route. Contact me or Emma for more details and a schedule at adrian@wibrew.com or emma@findshorty.com

This event is being funded 100% by us so all the funds you donate, will go to charity.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you.