Pulling together: Volunteers haul 1-ton field gun the length of Britain for cancer charity
Some 1,300 volunteers, including military personnel and veterans, endured fatigue, sleepless nights and adverse weather to haul a 1-ton field gun the full length of the country.
The incredible feat of strength and endurance was organised by Military vs Cancer, a charity dedicated to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families who have been affected by the disease, with the ambitious goal of raising £150,000.
Although not being verified as a World Record, the organisers believe this to be the first time a 1-ton field gun has been pulled from John O'Groats to Land's End.
Pushing the limits
The challenge started from John O'Groats at the tip of Scotland on 1 September, with a 20-strong team pushing the gun - which weighed the equivalent of a full-grown male giraffe - between 20 and 25 miles a day.
David Bathgate, CEO of the Military v Cancer charity and the mastermind behind the endeavour, spoke to BFBS Forces News about the hurdles they faced.
"The rolling hills through Scotland, through the Lake District, the weather that we were hit with in Cornwall, the reduced manpower we had in Scotland, it was all challenges we had to overcome," he said.
"But in typical military fashion, it was just 'let's get on with it' and see what happens."
The challenge demanded everything from those taking part as they pushed through for up to 10 hours a day, burning more than 6,000 calories while battling blisters, aching muscles, fatigue and unpredictable weather.
"When we had to cross through Cornwall, the weather was horrendous. We probably should have stopped on several occasions – but the guys were just singing through it," he explained.
"There was water a foot deep that we had to cross through, and we could have put the gun into the back of a van, but they're like 'no, let's get into the water'.
"It's the people who have made the entire event for us, who came in all shapes and sizes, all walks of life, coming out to support us on this."
Mark Barnes, a trustee of Military vs Cancer and a former weapons engineer who served from 1988 to 1996, took part in the challenge.
He said: "This is a cause very close to my heart. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 16, so I know first-hand how important it is to receive support from charities.
He noted that nothing could have prepared him for how heavy the gun was, and that he felt "every bump and gradient the road offered up".
"It means so much to represent the military on this challenge and to personally be a small part of this epic achievement," he added.
"I’m sure it will not only be remembered for the enormity of the challenge, but also for the money it raises to help military families around the UK deal with their battle with cancer."
The challenge attracted the support of communities across the country, with the World's Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman, even coming out to give his support for the challenge in Alness.
There was also support from local people in towns, villages and cities all over the country as the gun travelled down.
After 45 days of grit and determination, the team reached Land's End on 31 October, where they were met by a welcoming party that included six members of the RAF St Mawgan support team.
The funds raised from the endeavour will support nursing care, travel expenses for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks and special experiences, particularly for those with a terminal diagnosis, as well as peer group support.
"Cancer affects so many within the Armed Forces community, whether serving, veterans or their families," said Mr Bathgate.
"Military vs Cancer is dedicated to providing direct support to those who need it most, and this event is about showing what can be achieved when people come together with determination and purpose.
"Every donation makes a difference."
You can back the team and help Military vs Cancer reach its fundraising target by donating through the official Crowdfunder page.
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