On the 17th September, XXX Corps set out from the Dutch-Belgium border at Lommel and crossed Joe's Bridge in order to relieve the 42,000 airborne troops spread throughout the route to Arnhem, who's task it was to hold key bridges and positions to quicken the advance of XXX Corps. The liberation of Holland and Operation Market Garden had both begun. Over the ensuing days the brave men which made up XXX Corps fought off heavy German resistance, relieved most of the airborne troops, and managed to get less than 10 miles from Arnhem, covering a distance of roughly 70 miles in 5 days. As those who have seen the 1977 film 'A Bridge Too Far' will know, this somewhat impossible task was almost achieved by the heroic men of XXX Corps.

Hugo Strutt, George Bolitho and I will mark this exact route and the rest of XXX corp's route by doing 3 marathons in 3 days. I will be remembering those who fought for our liberty by doing this challenge for the Countryside Alliance, who fight for our liberty now. The Countryside Alliance is an organisation that is fighting hard for the repeal of the Hunting Act. However, it's agenda is far broader than just that, incorporating Food and Farming, local businesses and services, and the injustices of poor mobile signal and broadband in the countryside.

I would be hugely appreciative of anyone who can donate to this great organisation. It would not only make the past few months of training worthwhile but also it would be a huge motivational factor!

Thank you very much, Hector.

Www.justgiving.com/Hugo-Strutt
(Welsh guards)
Www.justgiving.com/George-bolitho
(Walking with the wounded)