Marines finish epic US run in aid of injured servicemen

The five British runners were joined by a member of the US Marine Corps for the coast-to-coast journey named the Gumpathon after the film Forrest Gump, in which the titular hero spends years running through the country.

It is hoped the Gumpathon, the brain-child of Colour Sgt Damian Todd, from Scunthorpe, will raise 1m for the Royal Marine Charitable Trust Fund and Help for Heroes in the UK, and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in the US, with donations still being collected.

Col Sgt Todd, who made the journey on a handbike after snapping his Achilles weeks before setting off, said: "It's been 14 years dreaming about it and two-and-a-half years in the planning so to finally finish it is bitter-sweet.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet, that the two-and-a-half years of thinking about logistics, food, training and maps is over. If I ever have to look at another map of the US again I'll scream."

He was inspired by the experiences of Mark Ormrod, 27, from Plymouth, who lost both legs and his right arm when he stood on a landmine on Christmas Eve 2007.

Mr Ormrod, who has recently left the Royal Marines, had pledged to run one mile a day but managed more than that, completing five miles in a day on one occasion.

He was initially told he would never walk again, but said after reaching the end of the run in Los Angeles: "Unless you've got your legs missing, you can't understand how difficult this is for me.

"I need some sort of motivation to get me up every day and that is what my wife and daughter and my friends and family back home do for me, but mainly my wife and daughter. I am trying to make them proud of what I am doing."

Major General Garry Robison, Chief of Staff Capability Royal Marines, and patron of the Gumpathon, said: "The Gumpathon team are an inspiring example of that blend of loyalty and determination, mixed with a touch of the incredulous, that makes the 'Esprit de Corps' of service life attractive to so many." Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit www.thegumpathon.com.