I’m marking the 90th anniversary of the Jarrow March with my own walk from London
A South Shields veteran is set to walk from London to Jarrow.
Garry Bain has announced that he will be marking the 90th anniversary of the Jarrow March by taking on his own 279-mile long walk from London to the Viking Centre, in Jarrow, later this year.
The 34-year-old armed forces veteran is taking on the impressive trek over 10 days in September to raise vital funds for Hebburn Helps and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
Garry has given an insight into where the idea for the challenge came from and explained that training for the walk is going well so far.
He said: “I was on the treadmill and I was thinking that I could walk to Berwick and then I thought that I could probably walk to Edinburgh but I settled on an even bigger task of starting in London.
“As time as gone on, it is starting to feel very real - I’m a bit nervous but also excited for it at the same time.
“It is a massive challenge physically for me but more so because I’m trying to raise money for two charities that are close to me.
“Training for it is going well, I’m on the treadmill when I’m on the ship working away so hopefully my legs will be able to keep up with me on the challenge.”
‘Aim high’
Garry has set himself a target for raising £10,000 for both charities but highlighted that any amount of money raised would mean a lot to him.
He added: “Just to see the amount of money go up to help these charities means the world to me and I know how much it will mean to them as well.
“I had nothing when I left the military and SSAFA really helped me out so that is why I want to pay tribute to them.
“Then I wanted to support Hebburn Helps because they are a local charity who do a lot of great work close to home.
“£10,000 is a very optimistic target but if I set a target of £1,000 and we smashed that, I’d be a bit disappointed so I want to aim high and see what we can get.”
You can view and donate to Garry’s fundraiser at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gary-bain-2.