Our distinguished guest to start the race was Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Mary Fagan DCVO.
Andy & Dame Mary with our hosts from Worthy Down
The Military Band played several pieces before the start and then set Andy and his two co-runners on their way with a rousing march!
The road leading from the start to the entrance of the camp was lined with students who in essence provided a guard of honour for Andy. It was quite a sight!
On their way . . . . .
After they left, there was little to do (save the proverbial admin stuff) until Andy required additional sustenance en route - this to be provided by Barry & Sophie.
Nikki and I were to take the flags and timer down to the finish at the Cathedral and promote the event and talk to people.
A beautiful setting
Reports of Andy's progress came through at regular intervals and before we knew it, we were waiting for him to appear at the finish. Suddenly, Barry, who had been waiting patiently for a first sight of the runners just down the course, began to jiggle about in earnest! We guessed that our intrepid hero was about to appear and sure enough, he crossed the line with co-runner Mark in 6hrs 45mins - a huge smile on his face!!!
A happy man!!
After the official photographs, Andy was presented with a huge chocolate Easter Egg, made that day in a master class by the catering corps and suitable decorated with the legend "Day 22 of 66". What a wonderful gesture!!
Mmmmmm - all mine!!!
We left shortly after for Salisbury and were soon doing the usual manoeuvering in the hotel car park to position our RV for the night. After a lovely meal, our first one out of the RV for a while, we retired to our rooms, each to our own devices: Andy for his treatment and me to write my blog. It's so much better when you write the day's blog on the day it happens.
We reconned tomorrows venue earlier on and discovered that it's only 2 - 3 mins down the road so a fairly leisurely start for us in the morning.
And so to bed . . . . . .
Benji's Blog
Hi Benji, I enjoyed talking to you today and I loved the transport project that you did for school. What lovely writing you did! I guess that was the surprise for me - I loved it!!
. . . . . And you finished your three and a half mile walk today! Well done - I'm very proud of you and I'm sure that mummy is as well.
We saw lots of soldiers today - you can see some of them in the photos. They were all very helpful and shouted and cheered for Uncle Andy very loudly.
Did you see the big Easter Egg that Uncle Andy got? - I hope he saves me a piece!!
Anyway, son, I'm very tired now so I'm going to bed and will call you in the morning when we are at number 23.
God Bless my Angel
Lots of love
Daddy,
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