Footsore, exhausted but ecstatic: 700km challenge finishes in Newcastle

Celebrations as Long Way Home reaches the culmination of its 18-day challenge, walking 700km from central London to central Newcastle, pulling the pulk the whole way.

The pulk is deeply embedded in our history and heritage and accompanied a group of wounded veterans, joined by Prince Harry, in 2011 as they undertook the first expedition of its kind to the North Pole.

Long Way Home leader and Head of Events and Partnerships at Walking With The Wounded, James Davis said: “That expedition proved that the sky was the limit for those wounded in the service of their country and showed the world what veterans can do. If you tell a veteran they can’t do something they will promptly go out and do it! From that expedition Walking With The Wounded was born and a key part of the kit was the trusty pulk, the sled that carried equipment and supplies over obstacles, ice and some of the toughest terrain on earth.”

The intrepid walkers have faced poor weather, Storm Bram, mud, multiple punctures and equipment failures, alongside blisters and sore joints, but determination to honour those who have served their country has kept them walking.

Each daily leg of the journey has averaged 40kms and teams of supporters and sponsors have taken it in turn to tackle each one, with a core support crew accompanying the pulk the whole way. Coming into Newcastle, and approaching the Fusilier Memorial in St Thomas’ Green near the Haymarket, the team chose to take the pulk off its bespoke wheels, as only one person can pull it in harness, and instead for several people to join together and carry the pulk the last little way – again representing how we help support each and every veteran who comes to WWTW. A piper announced the arrival of the pulk, with WHFC ambassador Nichola Tidd and The Lord Mayor of Newcastle among those who cheered the team as they reached the finish line.

On finishing Long Way Home, James reflected: “Wow! I’m so glad we’ve made it, but what a challenge, it’s been amazing, even with the additional challenges along the way. To everybody who has supported Long Way Home, and its parent campaign, Walking Home For Christmas, in whatever way, you have raised over £106,000 so far - with another £16,000 in Gift Aid. A huge thank you to everyone and this is why we do it. A huge thank you to everyone and this is why we do it. Walking With The Wounded helped over 2,500 veterans this year to get back on track and moving forward once more and, quite simply, that costs. To do what we do, we need to raise money and also awareness of who we are and as part of that we have enjoyed meeting so many people along the route. But now I need a rest!”