The challenge was set to cycle 800miles (1288km) by 11 November 2016 (Remembrance Day) to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme on what was the Western Front 1 July - 18 November 1916.

I have decided to RUN the whole distance in an attempt to comprehend the levels of stress and pain those gallant men suffered on their legs, in addition to their minds. 

This challenge gives me 160 days, which is 5 mile (8km) per day. I won't be sitting back on any of the daily runs, I will be running at least 5-6 days per week and when work/serious injury does not permit this, I will catch up by covering more miles. I will not sit back and plod through this challenge, I shall be aiming for personal goals and achievements along the way.

The pains and injuries that I may sustain are nothing compared to those of the true heroes in not just this battle, but all battles that have been fought in WW1 and WW2.

The pain and injuries will be no match for the hidden pain that PTSD /Combat Stress puts many veterans, as well as serving members of our forces.

The reason I have decided to take on this challenge today is to commemorate another memorable day in British history, D Day of the Normandy Landings 6 June 1944. This time WW2, where the stress endured by our gallant heroes was equally disturbing.

These two wars did not end on the battlefield, they carried on in the head and hearts of all that played their part, unfortunately this was the hidden war of COMBAT STRESS.

Please donate kindly and if you are unable to donate, please spend a minute to think of the hidden dangers of COMBAT STRESS.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

God Bless.