This week, three incredible runners have completed the epic, 177 mile Offa’s Dyke trail in aid of Veteran’s charity, Alabaré. Charles Malet, Alex Cooper and Tom Hall set out from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, at 5am on Friday, September 11 and successfully arrived at Sedbury Cliffs in Gloucestershire mid afternoon on Monday.

The trio were each determined to complete the harrowing challenge they had set themselves despite the pain, exhaustion and injury that they all suffered.

"The draining sense of continued fatigue and the almost unbearable pain made the finish seem, frequently, completely unattainable. Then, I would look down and read ’Supporting Homeless Veterans’ written on my wristband, lift my head up again and push on", said Charles afterwards

The undulating route of the Offa’s Dyke runs North to South along the entire historic English Welsh border and is equivalent of almost 7 back to back marathons with nearly 30,000 feet of uphill – a climb greater than that from sea level to the summit of Everest. Along the way the trail passes through some of the most beautiful scenery including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Black Mountains.

Charles, Alex and Tom, all Veterans themselves, signed up for the challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for ex-Armed Forces personnel who find themselves homeless and living in crisis in their civilian lives. The charity Alabaré provides homes and support for over 110 Veterans every night who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets, but relies on the generosity of supporters to fund it’s life-saving Homes for Veterans.

The three runners were honoured in turn as they crossed the finishe line, by the sound of the bugle played by Rifleman Sean McGrogan of Bugle Platoon, 1st Bn The Rifles. Also there to welcome them was Major Rod Poulter MC, Officer Commanding Headquarter Company 1st Bn The Rifles, and the team from Alabaré Homes for Veterans.

To donate towards Charles, Alex and Tom’s fundraising target please go to justgiving.com/fundraising/offa2020