Over a 10-day period between Friday 8 May until Sunday 17 May, ten members of P Battery (The Dragon Troop), 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Catterick Garrison, are running 7.5km each day to represent the 75th anniversary of VE Day. At the same time they are raising money for the North Yorkshire branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The other members of the Battery are collectively running, walking or tabbing 1195km which adds up to 1945km collectively, symbolising the final year of the Second World War.
The 75th anniversary of VE Day was the moment that the guns across Europe fell silent and the war with Nazi Germany came to an end. After six years of conflict, which saw losses on the front line and the home front, hostilities officially ended at one-minute past midnight on the 8th May 1945. Celebrations erupted all over the nation, and the day has become enshrined in history as VE Day.
P Battery has raised nearly £2,000 so far, and people can support them by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-brierley2
Major Steph Harris, Battery Commander, P Battery (The Dragon Troop) Royal Artillery said:
“The regiment is due to move to Larkhill in Wiltshire next year and we wanted to say a big thank you to Yorkshire whilst remembering the efforts and sacrifice of those at home and abroad during WWII. The funds raised so far are fantastic, but we would like to raise as much money as possible to support the vital work SSAFA does within the Armed Forces Community.”
If you, or someone you know from the military community, is in need of SSAFA’s support, contact Forcesline on 0800 731 4880 or head to ssafa.org.uk/forcesline
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Notes to editors
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 85,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. We are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us. www.ssafa.org.uk
All distances will be tracked on the Strava app – cheating is impossible!
