The West Country 100 smash fundraising effort on Hadrian’s Wall rehab trek with Royal Marines.
They battled check-in queues at Bristol Airport, suffered flight delays, dealt with a Covid case before they’d even started, and managed illness and injury en route…..
Local members from the influential West Country 100 business leaders’ group have returned home to Exeter after supporting a group of wounded, injured or sick serving and retired Royal Marines through part of their pathway to rehabilitation and recovery programme – an arduous 90-mile trek along the famous Hadrian’s Wall from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend in Newcastle.
The West Country 100 (WC 100) is a select group of 100 business leaders in the South West of England, who come together and have a desire to enhance support for Royal Marines, past, present and future – who find themselves in need through injury, illness and hardship.
The six-day yomp took place between 26th June – 2nd July not only as an additional fundraising opportunity – doubling their initial target by raising almost £6,000 – but also to raise awareness of our mental health awareness campaign, ‘Lifting the Lid’.
The message is, ‘when the going gets especially tough, it’s important to realise that it’s ok to make mistakes – don’t suffer in silence, ‘lift the lid’… speak to someone and use the support available.
Heading up the West Country 100 contingent last week was University of Exeter military history expert, Dr Stephen Manning: “What an inspirational week. The Royal Marines we accompanied were either carrying physical injuries or scars that couldn’t be seen, but nevertheless just as debilitating. For all, we just tried to help them on their journey by showing we care that they’ve chosen to serve their country, and to show them how much that is appreciated.
“Excursions like this help build relationships and break down some of the many barriers and preconceptions around physical and mental issues. Everyone walked and talked and got to know each other, sharing highs and lows through laughter and tears.”
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity CEO, Jonathan Ball, added: “We can never thank the West Country 100 enough for their amazing commitment. They never fail to go the extra mile in contributing towards helping the Charity offer lifelong support to the Royal Marines Family. This latest endeavour is no exception.”