Veterans reach Land's End after marching 925 miles

A group of veterans stand and kneel at Land's End. The group are looking at the camera. A Union Jack flag is flying behind them.Image source, Johnny Rutherford/BBC
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One of the challengers said it was "really special" to be back with a group of ex-Royal Marines

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Twenty-eight Royal Marine veterans have marched 925 miles (1,490km) from John O'Groats to Lands End in Cornwall for charity.

They set off on the eight-day long speed march on 31 October and arrived at their destination on Saturday.

The challenge has raised thousands of pounds for a number of charities including Combat Stress, the Royal Marines Charity, Papyrus, Alzheimer's Society and Cancer Research, organisers said. The final figure has yet to be confirmed.

Organiser Mark Gordon said: "We've recaptured this magic of bond in service life, especially Royal Marine commando life. Already, people are asking what's the next one."

A man is smiling at the camera with his arms crossed. A group of men stand in the background behind him are smiling, laughing and chatting. They are at Land's End. The sea is in the background.Image source, Johnny Rutherford/BBC
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Mr Gordon said the average age of those involved was 49

Each runner in the Bootneck Yomp carried 20lb (9kg) and completed at least a marathon a day for the challenge.

Mr Gordon previously said the challenge not only aimed to raise money for charity, but demonstrated the value of the armed forces veteran community.

He said: "During the intense training, organisation and planning over the past months, we've rediscovered shared bonds and it's really made a positive difference to us all.

"As a team where the average age is 49, we're keen on proving that it's still a state of mind."

Penzance firefighter and former Royal Marine Adam Harvey took part in the challenge.

He said: "It's a massive achievement, I feel proud.

"The feeling of being back with a group of ex-Royal Marines is really special."

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