Last Sunday 21 July 2024, I caught the 7am train into London to support Monty Halls, my podcast guest from episode 409 Turn the Tide, alongside 11 other veteran Royal Marines complete a marathon distance speed march.
Their Focus on WHY: to raise awareness and understanding particularly of the mental health challenges faced by many of those in the veteran community and also to raise funds for the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) so that they can continue their vitally important work.
After years of global conflict, most notably in Afghanistan and Iraq, the knock on effect of these conflicts has led to many veterans experiencing health issues. These in turn have caused profound ripple effects which go beyond the individual to impact friends and family especially children. With an overburdened NHS, waiting lists are high and funding comes at a premium, resulting in many veterans slipping through the net with devastating consequences such ad suicide.
Having meticulously studied the route that the team would take, I timed it so that I would arrive at the muster point to greet Monty and the team who’d, having just completed their second lap of four, pause briefly to take on board protein bars, energy drinks and water. They’d started at 5am to avoid the intense summer heat and all the tourists who would soon make the London paths and parks impossible to navigate.
As I dashed around the parks and streets to cheer them on at seven different places I racked up 10km doing so, however this was just a fraction of the 42km they covered. A marathon is always an emotional event to witness and this one was no different. While waiting for them to arrive, I spoke with several of the RM family supporters to learn who they were there to support and why.
As this group of warriors crossed the line in five hours and six minutes, the resilience needed to accomplish this particular mission was evident. 26.2 miles is a distance which is challenging enough but add to that the burden of carrying 40lb backpacks across the entire distance and that everyone was over the age of 45. No veteran team has ever accomplished this before so on this Sunday this team made history.
Wearing their berets and led by a drummer, the 12 veteran Royal Marines took their final steps down to The Mall to lay a wreath at the Royal Marines Memorial. The procession was followed by all the RMA community, friends, family and supporters.
It was at the memorial that the inspiration and emotional WHY for the event was shared. Barry (Baz) Gray, Royal Marines RSM (Rtr’d) explained how he’d had an idea three years ago to raise awareness of what families and children go through because of conflict. When he’d asked for volunteers to support him, it had been these eleven men who’d stepped up to the challenge. For what they’d done in the last 12 months, Barry said he would never be able to thank them enough, that they would be a different breed of men in his eyes for the rest of his life.
Hearing Barry make his tearful speech which was then followed by a meaningful speech from RMA patron General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE DL, I understood the resilience, determination and strength required by all those involved to accomplish this purpose.
The speed march mission was accomplished with over £75,000 raised and a bugler performed the Last Post to mark the closing of this particular chapter, however the need to raise more funds continues. If you’d like to donate, here’s the link.
Focus on Resilience! Focus on WHY!
ACTION POINT - What level of resilience is required for you to accomplish your purpose?
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