44-Mile D-Day Run To Return Five Years After Founders Death

An annual charity run, that was cancelled after its founder died while taking part, is to return.

Army surgeon Mike McErlain started the D-Day 44 challenge in 2009.

The challenge consisted of a 44-mile run or 22-mile walk that commemorated the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France on the anniversary of D Day.

But in 2013, whilst taking part, Mike suffered a fatal heart-attack at just 45-years-old

Now five years after his death, Mike’s widow is starting the event again in his memory.

Talking about the race returning Jo McErlain, Mike's wife said:

"When Mike died I thought no that's it the run has died too and that's it, but actually, as time has gone on I feel it is an important legacy to keep going."

Runners will start at Point Du Hoc and walkers will join the route at Arromanches on 6 June and both will finish at the historic Pegasus Bridge the same day.

The money raised from the challenge will be donated too raise money for Blind Veterans UK, Combat Stress and Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.