Page 84 - Bugle Autumn 2023

MORE STORIES MONTANE
SUMMER SPINE
On Sunday the of 18th June at 0800 I stepped off on my challenge to complete the Montane Summer Spine. The route covers the iconic Pennine way from South to North and is 268-miles long with over 10,700 meters worth of ascent which would need climbing. I am glad to report that I completed the challenge under the time limit (156hrs) in 139hrs 13mins and 25secs.
103 competitors started, 62 finished and 41 runners did not finish. I positioned 35th place.
Why?
I wanted to raise as much awareness and funds for the Regiment’s charity which helps serving and veteran Riflemen as well as their families when it is needed most. I also wanted to push myself to my absolute limit both physically and mentally; I can confirm the Montane Summer Spine categorically provided just that!
The challenge was everything I imagined it would be, and was a tough nut to crack! Inclement weather throughout made it really tough; hot and humid one day (27 degrees) followed by thunderstorms ensuring my personal administration was robustly tested throughout the week, especially under foot. My strategy was to ensure I achieved 45 miles every 24hrs to finish. The five check points were, give or take, every 50 miles where I planned to conduct administration at each one. This meant refuelling, foot admin via the Spine medics and a quick Rifleman’s hour before punching back out on the course.
Mentally, I broke the course down into bite
Steve Davies, a former
soldier of 3rd Battalion
The Royal Green
Jackets, has renovated more than 70 military graves across the South East and in so doing has helped to reconnect families with the stories of their ancestors.
Steve felt compelled to act after he stumbled across the unkempt and overgrown grave of an 18-year-old Rifleman who died
in the First World War. Using a combination of water and professional cleaning fluids
Mr Davies tenaciously removes decades
of pollution which have weathered the headstones and, in some cases, has been forced to remodel parts of the grave which
84 RIFLES The Bugle
size chunks (CP to CP) so I was just focusing on the next 50 mile as opposed to 268 miles.
The Pennine way itself was simply stunning. Starting in Edale within the Peak District to the Lake District, summiting Cross Fell (893m) to Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall and closing out the course on the famous Cheviots, some decent mounds of soil to get amongst coupled with great views.
During the week, I was completely overwhelmed by the support of the Regiment. Serving Riflemen, of all ranks, and veterans
have broken off.
Steve commented: ‘I try to restore
the graves which are outside of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s remit. They are just forgotten about. The whole idea of this is that people should know about these men.’
He was helped with the remodelling by a comrade from his former battalion.
The restorations, which are painstakingly completed over numerous visits, have cost Mr Davies hundreds of pounds each in some cases.
(including families) sent me personal messages of support. There were a few
man tears as a result, although I’m unsure if these were due to the multiple blisters or the messages.
In summary, I am extremely proud to report that the Just Giving page has exceeded over £4,000 and is still rising. I am very proud to call myself a Rifleman and hope the monies will help those that need it most.
WO1 L Farrell
268 MILE ULTRA MARATHON
STEVE’S GRAVE UNDERTAKING