Doncaster charity makes it to Land’s End in one-tonne gun challenge

Volunteers have pulled a one-tonne field gun 1,000 miles (1,609km) down the length of the country from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Hundreds of people dragged the artillery cannon from Scotland to Cornwall to raise money for the Doncaster-based charity Military vs Cancer, which supports service men and women affected by cancer.

The challenge has not been verified as a world record, but organisers believe it is the first time such a challenge has been achieved.

David Bathgate, chief executive of the charity, said he was “exhausted” but “so proud” of everyone involved.

Each day a 20 strong team of military, veterans, volunteers and celebrities pulled the gun between 20 and 25 miles.

More than 1,300 people took part in the challenge, which started on 1 September and finished earlier.

Mr Bathgate, 56, said: “The whole challenge has been really strenuous but completely worth it for the money we have raised to help those affected by cancer within the armed forces community, whether serving, veterans, or their families.”

Money raised will pay for nursing care, travel costs for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks and special experiences, particularly for those with a terminal diagnosis.

Charity trustee Mark Barnes, who served from 1988 to 1996 as a weapons engineer, also joined in.

He said the cause was close to his heart because his daughter had been diagnosed with cancer when she was 16.

He said: “It has meant so much to represent the military on this challenge and to personally be a small part of this epic achievement, which I’m sure will not only be remembered for the enormity of the challenge but also for the money it raises to help military families around the UK deal with their battle with cancer.”