Epic 1,000-mile military challenge passes through Okehampton for charity

A team of volunteers taking part in a world-first endurance challenge are due to pass through Okehampton today (Wednesday 22 October) as they continue their 1,000-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End, pulling a one-ton military field gun the entire way.

The team, supported by the charity Military vs Cancer, are now in the eighth week of their challenge, which aims to raise funds and awareness to support serving and former Armed Forces personnel affected by cancer, as well as their families.

After Okehampton, the route will continue through Holsworthy on Thursday (23 October) and Bude on Friday (24 October).

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The challenge began in early September in the far north of Scotland.

Each day local participants (including serving military, veterans, and volunteers), have pulled the gun for around 20-25 miles a day, spending up to ten hours on the road, and covering almost 800 miles in total so far.

Organisers say over 1,300 volunteers from across the country will take part in different sections of the route before the team reaches Land’s End later this month.

The challenge has currently raised more than £46,500 of its £150,000 target, with support from over 1,500 donors nationwide.

David Bathgate, CEO of Military vs Cancer and the challenge’s creator, said:

“Cancer affects so many in the Armed Forces community. This event is about showing what can be achieved when people come together with determination and purpose.”

The 45-day event is part of Military vs Cancer’s ongoing work to help alleviate the effects of cancer for military personnel past and present, and their families.

Money raised will go towards family and nursing care, travel and accommodation for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks, and memory-making trips for those with terminal diagnoses.

Among the participants this week is Chris Dooley, from Dorset, a Royal Navy veteran who was recently diagnosed with melanoma. 

He described the experience as “a privilege” and said the physical effort of moving the gun “reminds you just how heavy it really is.”

Although not yet verified as an official world record, organisers believe this is the first time a one-ton field gun has been pulled across the entire length of the UK.

The challenge follows a successful 2019 event by Military vs Cancer, when more than 200 members of the Navy, Army and RAF pulled a field gun 330 miles over three weeks.

This year’s challenge involves around 30 participants per day for 45 days, representing the teamwork and endurance needed for those living with cancer.

The “Field Gun” tradition dates back to 1899, when naval crews adapted heavy guns for land use during the Siege of Ladysmith in the Boer War.

Those wishing to support the challenge can donate through the official Crowdfunder page:

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/field-gun-pull-2025

At the time of writing, the campaign stands at 31 per cent of its £150,000 target with 39 days left to donate.