I am going to attempt to run, jog or walk 100km over the weekend of the 20-21 June 2020 for the #100for100 Challenge to mark the centenary of the British Army’s Royal Corps of Signals and raise money for the Royal Signals Charity.

I have been inspired by the national hero Capt Tom, now Col Sir Tom Moore, who did 100 laps of his garden for the NHS. I do not have a garden but without commuting to work during lockdown I have had more time to do exercise and improve my fitness. So I came up with the idea of the #HortonHundred for the #100for100 Challenge.

The #HortonHundred will consist of 100km on foot over 9 laps of Horton Country Park and Chessington in SW London / Surrey over the weekend of Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June following the route of the Valentine’s 10K race, which is organised by the 26.2 Road Runners Club, but without the support, marshals or safety staff due to Covid-19 social distancing requirements. 

I will therefore also get inspiration from Ant Middleton, formerly of the SBS and now the lead instructor on Channel 4’s “SAS : Who Dares Wins”, not just for the beard that I have been growing since the start of lockdown but also for the mental resilience to do this on my own.

Fast moving and game changing, the Royal Signals are leaders in IT, Cyber and Telecommunications, providing battle winning communications to every part of the British Army.

2020 marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Corps of Signals when, on the 28 June 1920 The Right Honourable Winston Churchill, as the Secretary of State for War, signed the Royal Warrant which gave the Sovereign’s approval for the formation of a “Corps of Signals”. Six weeks later in August, HRH King George V conferred the title “Royal Corps of Signals”.

Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 lockdown, the majority of our RoyalSignals100 celebrations have been cancelled. Yet the work of our soldiers and the commitment of their families goes on: Royal Signals soldiers have played a key role in the nation’s response to the pandemic. It’s now more important than ever that we celebrate their hard work and achievements, and that of the families who support them. The #100for100 Challenge will reinforce our sense of community, mark the Royal Signals 100 in style, and raise money for the Royal Signals Charity.

The Royal Signals Charity is vital for the morale, efficiency and welfare of every single member of the Royal Signals family. It supports those who need it most, especially at times of crisis, such as now. By donating to it, you’ll be helping to support those who need help right now and in the future.

So, during the month of June, exactly 100 years from the formation of the Royal Signals, everyone in the Corps family who is able to is encouraged to cover 100km: walking, running, cycling or whatever else forms your daily exercise routine.

During the lockdown I have been able to work from home, continuing my day job as a Project Manager for BAE Systems. BAE have been awarded the Gold Award for supporting the Military Covenant.

They have also been supporting the brave NHS heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic through their PPE donations and role in VentilatorChallengeUK . The PPE includes more than 150,000 face shields and the “Door Claw”, which allows users to open doors without touching the door handle, helping to reduce the spread of infection.

In addition to this, many BAE leaders are providing urgent mentoring and expert business advice to small and medium sized businesses from any sector throughout the pandemic and into the future. This support is available through the “Be the Business” programme. It provides a sounding board for difficult decisions and support in the development of suitable strategies throughout this difficult time

I am also a Reservist in the British Army as a Communication Systems Operator with the 31^st (Middlesex Yeomanry & Princess Louise’s Kensington) Signal Squadron based in Uxbridge and Coulsdon. Part of the 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment, the Squadron supports operations in the UK and abroad with a communications capability, providing specialist support to the government and emergency services in times of a National crisis. It also supplies combat communication specialists in support of overseas operations, during conflict and peace time.

Quid Nobis Ardui / Nothing is too hard for us

Useful links

• #100for100 https://royalsignals.org/100for100-challenge/
• #RCS100 https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/02/the-corps-of-royal-signals-celebrates-its-centenary-in-salisbury-cathedral/
• Royal Corps of Signals https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-signals/
• Course map https://goo.gl/maps/d4ShHnBjDXyTfGdR8
• 26.2 Road Runners Club https://www.26point2.co.uk/
• “Be the Business” programme https://www.bethebusiness.com/rapid-response-mentoring/

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