Volunteers hauling one-tonne field gun through Okehampton in epic 1,000-mile challenge for cancer charity

A team of military personnel, veterans, and volunteers pulling a one-ton field gun from John O’Groats to Land’s End will pass through Taunton, Barnstaple, Exeter, Okehampton and Bude this week as part of an extraordinary 1,000-mile fundraising mission to support those affected by cancer in the Armed Forces community.

The gruelling journey, organised by the charity Military vs Cancer, aims to raise £150,000 to help serving and former military personnel and their families cope with the emotional and financial impact of cancer.

The challenge began at John O’Groats on 1 September, with a core team of 20 participants, including service members, veterans, volunteers and celebrities, taking turns to haul the 1,000kg gun (roughly the weight of a fully grown male giraffe) an average of 20–25 miles a day. So far, the team has covered more than 780 miles.

The team will be in Taunton today (Monday 20^th October) Barnstaple on Tuesday 21^st, Exeter on Wednesday 22^nd, Okehampton on Thursday 23^rd and Bude on Friday 24^th.

Participants are pushing themselves to the limit, often working for up to 10 hours a day while battling fatigue, blisters, traffic and unpredictable weather. Each day’s effort burns over 6,000 calories, with new volunteers joining regularly; more than 1,300 people are expected to take part in total before the team reaches Land’s End later this month.

David Bathgate, 56, CEO of Military vs Cancer, who conceived the idea and is completing the full route, said: “Cancer affects so many within the Armed Forces community, whether serving, veterans, or their families. Military vs Cancer is dedicated to providing direct support to those who need it most, and this event is about showing what can be achieved when people come together with determination and purpose.”

The 45-day challenge has drawn support from across the UK, including appearances from World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman, who met the team in Alness, Scotland. Communities along the route have rallied behind the effort, cheering the volunteers as they make their way south.

David added: “This all wouldn’t be possible without the support of thousands of volunteers, companies and members of the public who are donating to the charity - and we’d like to thank the local people for coming out to cheer us on in advance.”

Funds raised will go towards nursing care, travel costs for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks, and special experiences for those with terminal diagnoses, as well as peer group support.

“Every donation makes a difference,” David said.

Among those taking part is Mark Barnes, a trustee of Military vs Cancer and former weapons engineer who served from 1988 to 1996. His daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 16, making the cause deeply personal. “This is a cause very close to my heart. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 16, so I know first-hand how important it is to receive support from charities. With my own military background, and my son having served as a submariner for nearly nine years, it means even more to me.”

Speaking about the challenge itself, he added: “What an incredible experience. Nothing prepares you for how heavy that gun is – it’s really tough to get moving, and you feel every bump and gradient the road offers up.

“It means so much to represent the military on this challenge and to personally be a small part of this epic achievement, which I’m sure will not only be remembered for the enormity of the challenge, but also for the money it raises to help military families around the UK deal with their battle with cancer.”

Although not yet officially verified, organisers believe this is the first time a one-ton field gun has been pulled the entire length of the UK.

Donations to support the challenge can be made via the official Crowdfunder page:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/field-gun-pull-2025