THE ORIGINS OF THE D-DAY 44 CHALLENGE
With thanks to Mike and Jo McErlain
Lt Col Mike McErlain-Trauma Spine and Orthopaedic Surgeon served in Iraq, Afghanistan, including tours of Bosnia and Northern Ireland and was attached to the Parachute Regiment. Mike co-founded the D-Day Challenge with Brother-In-Law Giles Barnes in 2009 to remember the fallen soldiers of 1944 and those who sacrifice their lives today for our country. Tragically, Mike died on the 6th June 2013 aged 45, while running the Normandy beaches for charity.
With the support of Combat Stress Joanna, Mikes wife has continued the D-Day Challenge in his memory.
The D-Day Challenge running and walking routes take you on a fantastic course through corn, wheat and barley fields as you head down the Normandy coastline over sand dunes, through marsh land and pebble beaches. You will follow forgotten paths and rocky outcrops and beautiful Norman villages.
The beaches are all set alive during this first week of June with people from all over the world driving WWII vehicles, some even wearing old WWII uniforms. Amongst these people are hundreds of war veterans, some of whom lived through D-Day and proudly wear their medals and tell their amazing stories.
The D-Day 44 Challenge commemorates the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France. For those who are passionate about adventure and sporting challenges, the D-Day 44 Challenge offers the perfect opportunity to indulge these passions. The walk/run allows you to appreciate fully the sacrifices made by our forefathers, as well as current servicemen, who have bravely fought to protect our way of life.
FIND OUT MORE BY VIEWING THE NEXT EVENT
D-Day 44 Challenge
5 Jun - 8 Jun 2024
OUR SUPPORT TO YOU
You’re important to us and we aim to make your run very special. Whether its your first event or you’re a seasoned pro when you join Team Combat Stress, we are ready to support you every step of the way. We will provide you with:
- A discount code for a Combat Stress running top
- A digital fundraising pack full of ideas
- A wealth of fundraising resources including training plans
- Support from a dedicated challenges fundraising team
- Team e-newsletters with fundraising advice
- Cheering materials available for family and friends
- Access to an online Facebook Combat Stress forum
Do you have your own place?
Great news that you've got your own place, we'd love you to run for Team Combat Stress.
You get to choose your own fundraising target, so please raise as much as you can for veterans' mental health! We'll be here for you every step of the way and you’ll be provided with a discount code for a Combat Stress top.
Please tell us about your challenge so that we can best support you.
If you have any questions please just ask we are here to help. Give us a call on 01372 587 140 or email us at challenges@combatstress.org.uk
