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Our story and our reasons for taking on this challenge…

Ollie was my son, He was like a son to Julie and John and best friend to their son Jack, and Jane’s nephew. He was a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines. He was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device whilst on patrol in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province, Afghanistan on the 27 May 2011 Age 23.  He was killed alongside Marine Sam Alexander MC. 

3 years ago I couldn’t cycle! Ollie gave me a deadline to get on the bike or he would throw it away well Ollie I have done it!!

This challenge is in Ollie’s name. We are doing it to raise money for Royal Marines Charities. The money is being directed towards the Recovery Pathway Fund to help those Marines injured in conflict and those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. We are self-funding the trip so every penny raised will go to the RMC.

I started off cycling and screaming on the cricket pitch behind my house unable to do more than 10 yards without falling off. But my partner Tony was unendingly patient with me. Now I can do approximately 55 kilometers in one go. This challenge entails cycling 450kms in intense humidity over 10 days past plantations, across waterways and through villages deep in the heart of the lush Mekong Delta in Vietnam, to the dry lands and contrasting sights of ancient Cambodia.

Competing in a challenge is on many levels both physical and mental but facing them and overcoming them is something to celebrate. Ollie loved a challenge, he loved life. He was funny, loyal, modest, hardworking and had enormous integrity. He was a wonderful son and brother to my dear Sarah.

Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Murchison MBE, Commanding Officer 42 Commando Royal Marines, Coalition Force Nad-e Ali (North), said at the time “As a leader he was inspirational, passionate and selfless, putting the welfare of his men above all else – they adored him and looked to him for direction, but looked on him as a brother in arms. As a Marine he was utterly professional, dependable and tactically astute. At the time his life was tragically cut short he was characteristically leading from the front, taking the fight to the enemy; his audacity, commitment and courage clear for all to see.”

This is why we are doing this for Ollie and to help those who came back.

“Life is not a game that you aim to get to the finishing line in pristine condition, but one that you should slide over the line, battered, covered in dirt and grazes, but with a huge grin and shouting, Wow what a ride!”

We really appreciate whatever you can give every little will make a whole lot thank you so much...

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