A former Royal Military Police sergeant and close protection officer is walking 400 miles in full kit to commemorate the sacrifices of First World War soldiers.
Darren Foote, a Gulf War veteran and ex-diplomatic bodyguard set off from Mametz Wood in France – a key objective in the Battle of the Somme – and is trekking to Ebbw Vale to raise funds for Blesma, the limbless veterans’ charity.
The 59-year-old, who qualified as a teacher after 12 years’ service, was inspired to take on the challenge after accompanying students to the site where the 38th (Welsh) Division of the British Army was tasked with clearing a German stronghold.
“It had a huge impact on them, and Mametz Wood is hugely significant in the valleys where I live, as 4,000 Welsh soldiers were injured or lost their lives in the battle,” said Darren. “They showed incredible bravery and sacrifice, and I wanted to honour that in some way, so I’m walking back home to commemorate that.”
Darren began his journey on 1 September from the memorial at Mametz Wood – a three-metre-high plinth topped by a Welsh red dragon tearing at barbed wire. He aimed to cover around 40 miles a day, supported by his former RMP close protection instructor Paul Christian, who acted as support driver.
Along the UK leg of the route, which runs from Southampton to Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, Darren was set to be joined by comrades, including Blesma Member Gregg Stevenson, who planned to walk the final 10 miles with him.
“It will be a challenge but the motivation is very strong. Those young men went to fight with nothing like the equipment or training we have in the modern Army,” added Darren, who is the Director of the Mountain Fuel sports nutrition company, which he founded with Rupert Bonnington. “It is important that we remember what they did, so I want to pay tribute to those soldiers and also raise funds for Blesma for the amazing work it does for injured veterans. It is important that we never forget the fallen and never stop supporting those who come back injured from war.”
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