Important Announcement (02.01.21): Due to the uncertainty of the Coronavirus and government weekly changes to control the pandemic, I will now be carrying out my yomp on Friday 8th January 2021 around the Peterborough area. It was a carefully thought out decision and didn’t want any last minute disruptions as a lot of planning has been put into this. This has been an amazing journey for me, both mentally and physically. I was able to achieve some fine shape, a healthy weight loss, was able to run a mile in 6:49 and never thought I could even yomp 22 miles in my training. I would like to thank all of you who have donated and supported me! And yes, I went way over my £1000 target. 

The mission: From the 12th of April 2020, I am committing myself to 11 months of training and then on the 3rd of March 2021, will yomp across Dartmoor for 30 miles to raise money for the RM CHARITY.

Background:

A Royal Marine would have to complete a 30 mile yomp as part of their training to earn their Green Beret. It is a speed march (a yomp) of 30 miles across Dartmoor that potential recruits have to complete within 8 hours, whilst carrying approximately 18kg of equipment on their back. 

However, this is just a charity fundraising and I am not a Royal Marine. I am just a regular civvy, who is a fanatic about our military corps. Doing a military themed challenge was the perfect choice for me.

Why?: I’ve always been a big fan of the Royal Marines, I’ve got a lot of their memorabilia and I know friends and their children that are serving. The main reason I want to help the RM Charity is because of the support they offer to Royal Marines when they leave. Some may have experienced war, PTSD or feelings of suicide and they rely on charities as there is no government support available. It’s a real shame as I strongly believe that no one should be left behind. Given the pandemic, my wedding photography business has suffered so I thought if I don’t take this opportunity to help out now, I might not get the opportunity again. As well as raising money, the yomp and it’s nine month training process represent a personal journey for me and my supporters, who have been following my progress on social media.

On the day: I will be joined by girlfriend Claire and her 12 yr old daughter who will yomp with me for a few miles. It will be a circular route from Yelverton to Postbridge and back again. Most likely a pub finishing line!

A polite note: I am a military enthusiast, from plane spotting at RAF CONINGSBY, to collecting military items. I have never served in the Royal Marines nor any of the HM Armed Forces.

NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND...

Nikos x