GALLERY: Royal Marines yomp blistering success

BLISTERING heat took its toll on a team of charity fundraisers as they marched 50 miles to support wounded Royal Marines.
DM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in WorthingDM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in Worthing
DM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in Worthing

Carrying 50lbs in weight, the commandos and their supporters marched from Brighton to Havant over two days, aiming to raise £32,000 for Help Our Wounded Royal Marines.

Organised by the charity’s founder, Dave Lilburn, the 50/50 Yomp was in its fourth year, but on a new route in a bid to boost the total.

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Mr Lilburn explained: “For the last three years, we have taken the coast road, walked along the beach and followed the canal.

DM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in WorthingDM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in Worthing
DM1511664a Town crier Bob Smytherman, left, supports the 50/50 Yomp in Worthing

“This year, I decided to changed the route to try to collect more money en route, so we basically followed the A259 and went through the towns and villages. People were very generous.”

The team of 45, aged from 12 to 67, set off from Brighton at 8am on Saturday, arriving at Worthing Pier around 11.30am.

After a pit stop, Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman rang them off on their journey to Chichester, where they were met by supporters at around 8pm.

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Mr Lilburn said: “We had quite a few blisters. A lot of the guys struggled this year because the temperature was so warm and their feet were really sweating. We had medical treatment on hand when it was needed, though.

DM1511583a Organiser Dave LilburnDM1511583a Organiser Dave Lilburn
DM1511583a Organiser Dave Lilburn

“When you think about it, a few blisters for us is nothing compared to what the guys we are raising money for have been through.”

On Sunday, they left Chichester around 8am and arrived at the Ship Inn, Havant, about 3pm.

“Everybody got there in the end, regardless of the blisters, so the team was outstanding,” added Mr Lilburn.

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“Bucket collections on the day raised £790. The people from Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor were dropping money in as we went by, which was brilliant.

“With all the other individual sponsorships, we expect to reach the £32,000 target.”

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