Day 1

The journey really started to get underway when we arrived at Dover to catch the train across the channel to France. 

Every one was apprehensive about what lay ahead and being cramped like sardines on a minibus didn't help. 

After finally arriving in good time, we were greeted by some massive boots that were in the entrance that led onto the camp.

We spent that evening socializing with 25 different army personnel groups from around the world within the main beer tent.

Everyone had a great night even if it did finish at midnight when the RMP fun sponges broke up the party when it was just getting started.

Day 3

Today we called Trev to see if we could make it over to Amsterdam via the minibus, as it was a lot cheaper than any other form of transport.

However, because Amsterdam was too far away we decided to keep to the original plan and take the opportunity to visit the War Memorial at Arnhem, this was a symbol of remembrance for the men who took part in Operation Market Garden during WW2 - 'The Bridge too far'.

After this, we spent another afternoon in the city of Nijmegen, observing the sights and revisiting the famous bars we had attended on the previous day. Furthermore, we were unable to have a late night, as we needed to get back to the camp in order to get a sufficient early night in before the first enduring day of the march. 

Before we were able to fall asleep though we had to pack our bags and weigh them to make sure they were exactly 10kg as this was the required weight that we needed for the march.  

Day 5

Having completed the first day we realised that we were going to have to do it all again today.  Now we knew what we were letting ourselves in for it was even more daunting than yesterday and if we had known would we have signed up for it? 

We had to keep reminding ourselves that it was for a good cause.   The sooner we started the sooner it would be over.  On our return I didn't feel too well so I decided to pay a visit to the medics, they told me that I was dehydrated and must ensure I drink more so that it doesn't happen again.

I wouldn't mind but I had been going to the toilet all day because of all the water I had been drinking. I took the opportunity to have my feet looked at as I had a couple of blisters; they taped them up for me.  

Fell into bed exhausted. I almost quit but the support of the others kept me going. On reflection, this was my hardest day as the weather was so hot.  

Day 7    

The last and final day of marching, we are all exhausted and have to be jollied along but the finishing line is in sight.  We kiss the large boots on the way out knowing when we see them again that we will kiss them for the last time. 

Yet again, another hot day and we were one of the first teams to leave.  The streets were lined with people as we neared Nijmegen which was very welcome as we had walked several miles past field after field which never seemed to end. 

The crowds got thicker and thicker the nearer we got to the finish line. This carried us forward.  When we got our medals, I was so proud and will treasure it forever.  However, our ordeal wasn't over yet we had to walk yet another 3 miles into the centre of Nijmegen to march past the town officials. 

Tim and I had only just lit our victory cigars so had to hurriedly stub them out. It was raining very heavily at this point no gortex was allowed.  We were bussed back to camp.  Relieved but very proud of our achievement we got showered, changed and had a few well-deserved drinks.