In 2009 Lt Col. Mike McErlain, with his wife Jo, set up the D-Day 44 Challenge. Sadly, Mike died while doing the run on 6 June 2013, but with the blessing of Mike’s widow, Jo, the event returns in 2018 to raise money for Blesma the Limbless Veterans, Blind Veterans UK and Combat Stress.

Limited places are available for runners to take on the 44 mile challenge and for walkers to complete the 22 mile challenge. The route, which hugs the Normandy coastline, will take in villages, fields, beaches and D-Day celebrations.

Runners will start at Point Du Hoc and walkers will join the route at Arromanches on 6 June and both will finish at the historic Pegasus Bridge the same day.

This three-day package includes return transport from London, two-nights’ accommodation, all meals, including a pasta party the night before and full medical and event support.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans helps all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.

Since 1932, we have been the only national Armed Forces Charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives.