To mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan three pilots from RAF Brize Norton will run 448 miles, a mile for each member of British service personnel killed during the conflict. They will run over 17 marathons in 17 days and they set off today.
Flt Lts Rob Platt, Tom Mountney and Graeme Hunt (pictured left to right) are Royal Air Force C130J Hercules pilots and have carried many casualties in both Iraq and Afghanistan as well as completing the first part of the repatriation process. As combat operations come to a close they felt that they should commemorate the sacrifice made by so many of their comrades. As well as paying tribute to the fallen, they want to help those who have been injured fighting for the safety of our country and aim to raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes and a number of other military charities. They will also be raising funds for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).
The team will leave RAF Brize Norton following a route that will take them around the south and west of England stopping at military establishments along the way and key towns. Ferndown, John’s home town, is on the route and they plan to pass through on Wednesday 23 April.
If you would like to cheer them on, come and join the JTYAF who will be based at the Royal British Legion, Church Road, Ferndown.
Check www.jtyaf.org for details and to sponsor the team visit www.444run.co.uk. Poignantly since they set up the website a further four servicemen have been killed.
