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Project_65
Thankyou for all the work & effort you put in 24 hours a day, I belive that without charity's like yourself's a lot of troops would just get forgotton, you keep their memory alive! On a personal note thankyou from the bottom of my heart for the pick me up's when I have been down..knowing you care and understand means so much.
Words are just not enough to say thankyou! but we are so grateful!

Keep up the awesome work it is appricated and does not go unnoticed.
Emma

Just having a wander through the site as I've had the priviledge of talking to the peeps of Project_65 on Twitter and I just want to say that I think ALL of you people who do things for these awesome charities and events whether in the forces or the people showing your support ARE AWESOME!!!!

Thankyou to the guys/gals who lay down their lives for us without even a second thought.

Dear all,

How wonderful it has been to read the comments on here and to see that such a strong bond has been formed between many of you. I am delighted that everyone had such a great experience completing such an enormous task.
The run was nothing less than a total success thanks to the attitude of all the runners and the excellent support crew and cyclists. With the right people involved, any event, no matter how difficult, can be a success.
On behalf of everyone here at Project 65 I thank you all for making it what it was and look forward to seeing you all again SOON!

Best wishes

Danny Greeno
Chairman
PROJECT 65

We all came together at Tarrent Rushton Airfield, this was always going to be a compleat Honour to take part in this Run/Walk to Pegasus Bridge with our fellow runners. No pain No gain. The Cycle Outriders were amazing, Simon got us through dark dangerouse Southampton. Thankyou. We have relived every bit, even the 4 miles to go ha. 7 Days on and our feet are repairing, were getting ready for Snowdonia Mountain Marathon 24 October. As well as what ever else crops up ? BBQ X Join us if you can, sign up quick, were running in our VETERAN named shirts this year, that we all wore with pride to and on the Bridge. Herouvillette ceremony was an emotional service, tears were falling in honour of those brave men of D Coy. To all the runners, support teams, worker bees we salute you.Thank you for a truely amazing experience.
"Were meet again" Ham and JAM

I just wanted to thank Barry for the great idea that started this event off and to Danny and his team who organised the whole thing. No mean feat. Also thanks to all the runners who took part especially the Doc. Iain and I spent hours talking about everything and nothing on route to Portsmouth. This kept me going and has given me memories I will never forget.
Shopping for water in Tescos at 3am will stick with me forever.
If the guys who I gave a lift back to Tarrant Rushton on the Sunday evening are reading this, I hope you got home OK and I have your baseball hat (it has SOX written on it). If you can give me your address I'll send it to you.
Well done to you all.

Hi guys

Good to be home and reflect on the momentous time we all spent last week taking part in Project 65. Thanks to all the support staff who did any excellant job and especially to Danny for all the organisation. It was an honour to have taken part and made all the better by meeting so many great people along the way. Just out of interest has anyone seen my missing kit!! Last seen being loaded into the van in France - has my name and address on the front would love to be reuntied with faithful working boots but not with my dirty clothes!! Cheers

Chris Harding
Weston-super-Mare

Hi to all those who took part, it was a very moving & humbling experience, It does put your faith back in human nature, the kindness shown by the locals in France was fantstic, i feel privilaged to have been part of this event to have met so many like minded people, a big thankyou to the gent who gave me plasters for my blisters in Southampton, & tried to help me along. Also hello to Nick & his friend who provided a hot lunch by the tent. & another big thankyou the guys in the range rover who bought breakfast in Porstsmouth.
My best wishes to you all.

Kind Regards

Paul.

Danny and Barry, and all the project 65 runners and support

Thank you to you all for the fantastic experience that was Project 65 and the run to Pegasus. From just one long weekend I have memories that will last a lifetime thanks to you guys, your inspiration and organisation. To have had the honour of representing a member of the Coup de Main, to have met veterans of the Ox and Bucks, to have talked to the families of the fallen – I shall cherish all those memories my whole life.

My participation in Project 65 meant that 65 years to the day after my Grandfather was killed in Normandy I was able to meet a soldier of the Royal Ulster Rifles who had fought alongside him. I felt for a moment as I stood before that brave old soldier that in some way I was meeting the Grandfather I never knew – and for that brief moment was able to say I was proud to know his name and shake his hand and thank him for his sacrifice and just for that I would have run a hundred and sixty five miles.

It was a brilliant experience and a humbling one too. Although we will never be able to repay our debt at least we showed that we will never forget, and I know that meant a lot to the veterans and their families. You made all this happen.

So thank you both again and congratulations,

Best wishes,

James Lee

Runner number 118, representing Sapper Maxted, glider 6

Hello to you all.

Just want to echo everyone's comments really and say that I felt both humbled and extremely proud to have crossed the bridge and then take part in the ceremony with such a great bunch of people for such an woth while and specific cause.

I got to talk to various veterans that night including Harry Wheeler and just loved every minute of the experience.

I now have a hole in my life that I am having trouble filling as it was such a big thing to train for and do.

What's next? Nijmegen to Arnhem? I am up for what ever it is.

Cheers to all those I met along the way. Ben, Sarah, Tony, Mark and Jim ... the ones I remember.

Ham and Jam to you all.

Well done to Barry Tappenden and the rest of the team and runners for a magnificant effort! It was especially moving for me as my father Wally Parr was on No 1 glider and I had the privilege of meeting Major John Maher the runner who ran the 65 miles with my father's name on his back. We had a good chat and we ended up swapping his running vest for a copy of my book which tells the story of D Company's exploits. If you would like to see the BBC South coverage of the finish of the run on the evenning of 5th/6th go to my website www.pegasus-parr.co.uk and click on the link.
Well done lads!
Ham and Jam
Barry Parr

Hi Everyone

I'll just start by saying a big well done to everyone who took part in the run and also a huge thanks to everyone involved in the planning and the support that made it all possible.

Back in April when I first heard about the run and what it was raising money for I signed up for without a second thought. Back then the only way I could see the event was as a charity run raising money for very worthy causes, little did I realise what an experience it would be!

Sparing you the detail, as an injured ex-soldier I knew the whole event would be a personal journey, what I did not realise is how much of a positive impact doing the run would have on me.

As well as raising money, I also met some fantastic people who I’d love to stay in touch with, I’m far more confident in my own physical ability than I have been since I was injured and also glad that my family and friends FINALLY realise that I’m in control of my disability and not quite as fragile as they may of thought.

The reception we received on the bridge was unbelievable; I really did not expect that kind of turn out. The service we attended in the morning and the unveiling ceremony was very humbling and seeing the men from the original operation revealing the memorial was rather emotional.

I hope the money continues to come in and if there is even a sniff of a Project 70 count me in!!!!

Thanks to everyone involved.

Regards Mark

Celer et Audax

Hi Guys

Amazing experience and so many incredible people... something I'll remember for all my days.

I've created a facebook Group to share any photographs or links to photographs you may have ... hopefully this will benefit all of you.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=89070805341#/group.php?gid=1926453...

Hope to see you again soon and if your interested in the Summer Ball on the 20th June, drop me a line.

Just some names of great guys I met, Malcom, Adam, Nick, George, Phil, John, Steve, hugh and Kes... there were many more but my braincells have been destroyed post event.

Chris (Ramsay)

Finally back home and I Just wanted to say a big thank you to all who I met during the run - it was great to meet you and well done to all. Particular thanks to Paul and to Andy who helped me through some of the more difficult bits!

Also, special thanks to the organisers for the hard work and help over the past days (and weeks) – it was a real honour to be part of Project 65 and I am very grateful for that opportunity. I'm continuing to raise money and hope we can beat the target!

The arrival at the Bridge was amazing and the afternoon ceremony was very moving – and humbling.

I hope everyone has recovered by now and am looking forward to the photos!

All the best,
Giles (#93)

Ever since my boyhood, I have had a facination about all things to do with the second world war. I have always admired what the men did at Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. Finally this year, my wife and I travelled to France to specifically goto the bridge on the 6th June.

It was a very moving experience, and it made us so proud to be British.

Unfortunately we didn't know about this project until we got there, but we'd just like to congratulate you on this. The memorial is superb - a fitting tribute to these men.

All the very best in your future fundraising.

John & Yvonne Gallagher, Beverley, East Yorks

Hi all fellow runners and helper's,

Firstly I would like to well well done to everyone who took part in "Project 65". What a fantastic couple of days. I must admit though, it did not seem that fantastic at around 55 miles. Try and run, no walk , no limp!! I've never been so glad to see a sign post with a couple of miles to go. But hey we all made it and after a sandwich and a ice pack on my melon ankle, was it really that bad!!

Being ex milatry like a lot of you I have seen things that have moved me. I don't think I have been as moved in a long time as when we all made it to the Pegasus Bridge and got the reception we got. A very humbling moment.

It was great to meet up with you all and having the pleasure to run with some of you along the way. Nigel - John and James, three officer's I would be proud to serve with. Ian and Pete ex Airborne, thanks for helping me those last 10 miles. Oh and thanks Pete for lokking after me on the ferry home.(Too much vino drunk).

Lets hope the money keeps coming in and we can make a difference to people who need support. Looking forward to seeing the photo's and watching the DVD that alive-tv made.

Again well done to everyone involved. "Ham and Jam"

Best regards Jim. Airborne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great event..Well done everyone and a pleasure to meet you all...

Good morning to you all.. Just want to say a big thanks to all who I met during the run/walk..!
It was a delight to meet you and well done.
Special thanks go to the organisers and also the family (Mum has done the ARCTIC; ANTARTIC AND MARATHON des SABLES (TWICE...!!!),who offered help and support around the 23 mile (give or take 5 miles..!!), when I managed to off-load some excess water..!!
Found the arrival at the Bridge very moving and the afternoon ceremony just right in content.
Hope you are all recovered by now and that when the final count is made, we have managed to raise even more money for the causes.

All the best to you ... Mike Crawley (Bus pass..!!)

I just want to say well done to all the runners and give my thanks to those that helped to take the bridge during WW2....I wrote this some years ago during a visit with my family to Normandy and would like to share it ..A DAY TRIP...I too crossed the channel to Normandy, this is a happy crossing, a holiday....Today I visit a bridge, just a canal crossing, it was no holiday for those silent glider borne men that fell from the skies in that flaming month....Only a cold lump of stone and the bridge to mark their task, to take and keep the bridge open, some of them , maybe many of them would be no more. Their lives swept away in the tide of battle, as the water below carries all in its path away.....Their courage and lives freely offered, so that others landing all along the Normandy coast could in justice take yet more young lives,the aim to win through and rid the world of an evil.Good seems to exact a very high price for triumph......History tells tells me that the bridge was taken and held,I have just crossed 'Pegasus Bridge'......My wishes to all...Barbara.....

I would just like to say a big thankyou to all the Project 65 crew.

It was a great event, leaving some great memories (& some bad ones)

Thanks

Nick

Just to make sure you know the coverage for today Monday 8th June that will definitely feature Project 65.

Trailer for BBC South Today special feature using the footage from our travelling cameraman, Ben Moore.

Shows Barry greeting us all at the finish at 0016hrs.

The special feature on Project 65 will be shown Monday 8th June during the BBC South Today evening output at 1830hrs. (may have some on their lunchtime 10 minute news output).

If you are not in the South Today area but have Sky, you can see BBC South Today on channel 984

Well done Danny, Barry, the medics (God bless em), all the support staff, Titchfield Women's Institute, the townsfolk of Benouville for the early [very!] morning breakfast, fantastic run; unique event!

Richard (no 44)

ps. Nik can you send the photos of us at Pegasus to my e-mail, thanks - rcoatesfire [at] btinternet [dot] com

my father was the pilot of no 3 glider - Geoff Barkway - nad he would have been very proud and humbled by what you have all done. thankyou for remembering the veterans in this way and raising so much money. My Mother is at the anniversary event and is looking out for all the runners. we ould say thankyou to each and every one if we could.
THANKYOU

We have just travelled to Caen on the ferry with all the participants of Project 65, which we didn't know about till now, and wanted to send our good wishes to everyone involved.

Bonne chance!

Well done to you and the team for even thinking about such a tough run - not to mention raising money for your cause. I hope youll tell us all about it when youre recovered and well make sure to give you a mention on our site.

Just cycled into work from Fareham to Portsmouth and passed a number of walkers on route. All the best to everyone taking part. Great cause and fantastic effort by all involved. You sould all be extremely proud.

Cheers

Good Luck with your run and Thank you for helping to remember the original men. I wish I could have come and joined you but I will be on duty tommorow in London. My Grandad was one of the original men on glider four. His name was Corporal David J L Bateman. We lost him when we were very young after a stroke but none of us have ever forgotten him.

Coming to close of play the night before and I'm pleased to tell you all that the media are crawling all over Project 65 and what we are doing. We will probably be relegated to a footnote when put up against the like of the Prince of Wales, Obama, and Sarkozy but that is still better than nothing.

What I'd like to ask you all finally at this late stage is to ring every media outlet, every radio station and newspaper that you can think of and just ask them if they are coming to Tarrant Rushton. If they say no, ask them if they will get people out onto the streets to come and cheer their support for the hardy souls that are taking on the challenge.

Just make two phone calls (more if you want) and hopefully we'll make the difference.

Thank you.

It seems that the chatter has gone from the notice board and the Blog site, is everyone saving it for the big day!

Just think of yourselves as Forrest Gump, "I just felt like running" but we will most likely end up more like captain Dan!

Best of luck to everyone, see you in the morning.

Iain Rodgers

hi i think its great what you guys are doing .. wish i could be there . my dad michael Bateman and his sister will be there because there dad David Bateman was in glider for 4 that crashed he was then taken prisoner of war . id love hear more about my grandad Bateman as he died shortly before i was born . his best friend was Barwick if there are any members of his family out there would love to compare stories as i do believe he saved my grandads life . good luck guys so proud

Hope all of you are still enjoying your training and build up to Thursday, this is a new experience for me but I am honoured to be taking part and having my Father-in-Law - Reg Charles Oxford and Bucks, my wife Sheila and son David to support me through the challenge and hopefully walk some of the distance at Tarrant Rushton and in France. It is a shame they didn't fly from Southampton airport and saved our feet from 40 miles!! Looking forward to meeting you all on Thursday and taking part in what will be a moving if not exhausting time.

Cheers

Chris

Hi guys, not long now and getting nervous.

just wanted to find out what the general idea towards wearing uniform to the memorial unveiling on 06/06.

I obviously want to pay tribute to everyone who took part in D Day and would be honoured to show my respect by being in uniform but I have heard that we are not allowed to be in kit in France.

be great if someone could clear this up for me.

Also are you wearing shorts or combats for the run itself? Ive been training in boots and combats but have now decided to do it in trainers unless my ankle plays up and then the boots will go back on.

If some one could get back to me ASAP then that would be great.

Cheers and good luck to everyone.

Dave

Has anyone the detailed schedule for the memorial dedication ceremony. My wife and I will be attending in honour of her father, Pte Ward from Glider #6, and we would like to know where to go at what time.
Thanks
Jon & Dorothy Williams

This is the first time I've had a really good look at all the info' available to us. My reaction; I'm hesitant to type it as I don't want to lower the tone! I am now scared as I stupidly thought the run was spread over 3 days. What an idiot!
I take a little heart from other blogs where life, jobs and stuff has got in the way of training. For me, I have been training for a new job with a 2.5+ commute whilst studying P/T at college whilst teaching occasionally.
Training has not been based around one big push, but like on that night in June 1944 I'm sure adrenaline and team spirit will also be deciding factors in our success.
Thanks for advice on head torches etc.

Good luck all.

Hi Everyone,

I don’t want to seem to be telling you how to suck eggs but some of you might benefit from other peoples experience:-

Two weeks ago my good friend Pete and I went on a 27.5 mile run, it rained very hard for most of it and became extremely cold.

The lesson learnt was take rainproof gear and a spare top if rain is forecast.

last Sunday we did the same distance starting at 0:100 and finishing at 0:600 the majority as you can imagine in the dark.

The lesson learnt was take a good head torch, mine was a 5 LED type and worked very well, second it gets very cold at night so you might want to have more clothes to put on even if you are running. Lastly your body clock will be all over the place by the time you finish. I think some of us will need to take an alarm clock or we will all over sleep in France? well two more 8 milers to go before the "Big Push" Good luck to everyone.

Iain Rodgers

Hi Everyone,

Several runners from Surrey are taking part in the event. The Surrey Advertiser is taking an interest and there should be a Press Release in the next issue.

I have said that I will try to have photographs taken for them of the Surrey runners when we all gather at Tarrent Rushdon, just before the start and at Pegasus Bridge the day after we arrive, hope that this is ok with everyone, I will ask the Project 65 team to announce this at the briefing prior to the start.

Hope that every ones training is going well and no serious injuries to cope with? Only 13 days to go then the “Big Push”

Good Luck

Iain Rodgers

We met Robert Smart at Bryanston Cottage last weekend and heard about Run 65. We hope that Sunday's run went well for Robert and you made it to your destination despite the rain!
All the best for the big run to everyone.
Mark and Lucy Woodruff

Dear All -

Many thanks for your comments, suggestions and words of encouragement! With 16 days to go now, people are beginning to get really nervous. I have no doubt though that it will be a huge success and you will all do yourselves and those you are commemorating immensely proud!

May a make a small plea - the Project 65 Blog (which you can read by clicking on the logo at the top right of this page) seems to be dying a death... For publicity purposes I would really like to make it hum again. If anyone wants to submit a blog, with pictures if you wish, please just email the text to me - elo [at] oneismore [dot] com and I'll post them asap.

Thanks very much, and keep up the great work!

Ed LO

Hi all,

Well just over two weeks to go, hope this email finds you all well and looking forward to the big weekend. Another well done to all of those that took part in the London Marathon and ran at Woburn Abbey.

I myself have been training as hard as I can, but being stuck on an oil rig for the last two weeks, is not helping. Running on a tread mill, listening to the same Pink Floyd album and looking at the same spot on the wall, is begining too!! Well i'm sure you'll understand. Really looking forward to getting home next week and doing a couple of light runs and this time enjoying the view. Maybe all those people who let there dogs attack you when you are running, are not so bad after all.

Hi Everyone involved in Project 65,

This is my first time in writing. Firstly does anyone have a list of the runners and what groups they will be in, it would be nice to know who everyone is and where they come from?

Next my old mate Pete Learmonth (Ex heavy lift - Para) has now joined in, I knew he could not resist.

Some of you intend to partake in uniforms and boots of the era? This is just my opinion, but save the uniform and boots until the last 2.5 miles on the French side.

Those that are currently serving and those that are ex might want to do a similar thing i.e., wear boots, combat trousers (95 pattern) or similar, belt and beret along with the Project 65 tee shirt for the last 2.5 miles.

Good luck to everyone

Iain Rodgers
Ex 1 Para