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Royal Marine Veterans Speed March

‘In a speed march, the aim is for a group of service members to bridge a distance on foot as quickly as possible and then carry out a (combat) action at the destination’.

On 21st July 2024, a group of 12 retired Royal Marines, all over the age of 45, will take on a marathon distance speed march around the streets of London.

Our 12 Veterans are:

Baz Gray

Robbie Davidson

Simon Wiley

Stephen Schofield

Adam White

Guy Millar

Brian Smith

Monty Halls

Paul Gilmartin

Colin Harrison

Craig Williams

Our Why?

Put quite simply, physical, and mental health issues on the Veteran community is as bad today as it has ever been. This is a result of many recent years in conflict zones on a global scale, most notably in Afghanistan and Iraq. The knock on effect of veterans with mental health issues goes far beyond the individual, it has huge impact on friends and family, especially children.

It is especially tough in these modern times where the NHS is hugely overburdened, waiting lists are high and funding is at a premium. Many veterans are slipping through the net and more often than not, this results in suicide.

Our Charity

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity exists to serve the entire Royal Marines family by offering through life support. The mental health of our serving and veteran Royal Marines is of paramount importance to all of us and any means of promoting both positive mental health, and those who are facing mental health issues.

The aim of the whole team is to raise awareness, increase the understanding of the mental health challenges facing many of our veteran community, and also to raise much needed funds for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity so that they can continue to push forward the powerful work that they do in this vitally important area.

Our secondary role is to raise awareness of the mental health of all of our service veterans, and indeed their families.

Our Event

The event is more than just about Veterans running around the streets of London in July 2024. It is about what we can do between now and then to promote, share, and raise awareness of Veterans Mental Health Issues.

We will be following real stories that will inspire and humble our audience. A small documentary team will be following the team and making short films along the way. This will be transformed into a 1 hour long documentary on completion.

The team will also be doing regular appearances at public events to raise the awareness and promote what we do. The 400 metre challenge is one we hope will take off across the country. It will be a challenge to anybody of any age that wants to take part to have a go at running a 400 meter course with a 40lb pack as quickly as possible.

There will be a big public launch of the event some time in early 2024 at the tower of London. It will be an event like no other and one money can’t buy. This will be one of a few key events happening before and after the event.

Your Support

We are looking for business and corporate support to help us make this event happen. Sponsors will help us deliver the powerful documentary, help us brand and reach as many people as possible and cover the team costs of travel and accommodation whilst moving around the country over the next year.

All sponsors will be invited to take part in exclusive events, A special evening at the Tower of London, A regimental dinner in the Historic Officers Mess, Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth, An evening at the Special Forces club in London, a 24 hour adventure experience on Drakes Island in Plymouth sound.

If you want to get involved and deeper and become a corporate sponsor outside of this page then please reach out via the details at the end.

All proceeds raised outside of key event costs will be directed straight to the RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, to help them deliver the fantastic work they already do.

Run with us.

This project has also grown beyond that of just the team. Many veterans and sponsors will be joining us without weight and running behind our team in the same military fashion. If your reading this and it sounds like something you would like to do then reach out via the details at the end.

Final Message

Having a project to focus on and a purpose in life can transform it from one of utter boredom and depression to one of excitement and fulfilment. This event is already changing lives and inspiring many veterans to get up, get active and find a bit of their old selves. We want to grow it, share it and transform as many more lives as we can. With your help we will make a big impact in a very difficult area for so many Veterans and families.

We will gratefully receive any corporate donations or offers of support. If you feel your business wants to get involved with this project, then please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to discuss opportunities.

Barry (Baz) Gray

Royal Marines RSM (Rtr’d)

07766 954845

bazjgray@gmail.com

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