Magnificent military seven complete 180 mile route in 7 days
NO pain, no gain – that was the motto of a Phil McDermott as he completed an astonishing seven marathons in seven days.
Walking, jogging, and shuffling through the circular 180 mile route from Cirencester to Weston-super-Mare and Birmingham, Phil raised more than £20,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund with the help of six Army mates.
And to make things even tougher on themsleves, they all carried a 30lb rucksack which has now given them a string of injuries to recover from.
Mr McDermott, whose medal company makes OBEs and MBEs in the Jewellery Quarter, said: “The reception we got on the Birmingham leg of the tour was just great.
“Cars were beeping their horns at us and people were coming up and cheering us on and shouting well done.
“Some even approached us and shoved money in our hands so that we could put it towards our total.
“But now we are all suffering.
“I’ve got blisters and we all have bruised feet from the pounding on the roads.
“It was all worth it in the end though – in Birmingham alone we raised more than £2,300.”
Making a special appearance on the Birmingham leg was Solihull Marine Matt Croucher, who was awarded the George Cross after he dived on a grenade to protect his comrades while serving in Afghanistan.
He saw the squaddies off from the military wing of Selly Oak Hospital before they hobbled to Cotteridge and Bournville and took in Cannon Hill Park, the Bull Ring markets and Broad Street.
The final part saw the fitness fanatics run along canal towpaths towards Rubery and Longbridge before they ended up at The Crown pub, in Catshill, Bromsgrove.
The team, from the Royal Logistics Corps, were Capt Dave Groce, Capt Dean Hammett, Capt Alan Tindale, WO1 Billy McClean, WO2 Dean Morgan, Sgt Eric Fletcher and Maj McDermott.
McDermott added: “We’re considering doing the London Marathon together next year.”
