Veterans march along Dorset coast to Lyme Regis for charity

The ex-armed forces personnel were marching to raise funds for Rifles Regimental Trust’s Care for Casualties, having started at Lulworth Cove last Friday with a Remembrance-style service. The walk ended at the RNLI lifeboat station on the Cobb after a march two abreast with bugles along the Cart Road on Lyme Regis seafront.

“Conditions were hot which made it harder. 19 degrees walking down the coast pushed people to their limits” organiser and veteran Mike Wells said.

“The final day was the hardest with the heat and the hills especially near Charmouth for the final leg.

“The whole team finished in Lyme Regis and we marched down the street to the RNLI centre where there were hundreds and hundreds cheering us on.”

On Saturday September 18 the collective marched into Weymouth where they were greeted by the Lord Mayor and many people clapping and cheering.

Mr Wells, who served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Falklands, said that really helped the group all the way.

When they finally made their way in Lyme Regis their town’s mayor also met them alongside a Colonel and General from the Rifles regiment.

Ceremony at RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis

“It was fantastic to see them and very emotional. As well as a sense of relief,” added the 63-year-old.

As well as raising funds for Care for Casualties, a charity who help British personnel from the Rifles regiment, and their families, who have been injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the veterans collected money for the RNLI en-route.

Buckets of cash was presented to lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks during a welcome ceremony in Lyme Regis, who thanked them for their donations.

The RNLI stated it is expected the group's efforts will raise £100,000 for charity, although Mr Wells said it may take some time to count up what's been raised.

The veteran didn’t want to put an exact figure on how much had been donated until it was definite.

While marching along the Dorset coast the group carried with them 72 boots representing Rifles personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Following the fundraiser Mr Wells said a lot of the team drove home and went back to work on Monday September 20.

He added: “I’ve got a few aches and pains but it's well worth it. A big thank you to the local public for their support and big thanks to the team for a big effort."