Hi this is Claire and this is my first blog … with plenty of time to think about what to write I thought firstly I would get my own back on the lads. As one of the only two girls out here I have experienced my fair share of ‘pranks’ in the past month or so and this seemed the perfect opportunity for revenge, but on reflection that’s not what this event is about, its about a lot more than that … 

… its about all the people here in the US who have taken us into their homes and hearts; its about the State Troopers who have kept us moving, the people of Collingdale, PA who came out on a Saturday and fed us; the National Guard in Tennessee and Kentucky who took us in at short notice; the East Nasty Running Club who came out en masse to run with Chunks and Crazy; Russ, the MCL and the people of Henderson, TN who let us crash their Autumn Festival and gave the guys a standing ovation for what they are doing; the University of Charlottesville Marine OTC who not only ran with us but raised money for us; the campsites who have put us up free and helped us spread the word; its about Jack and Shyla who got the schools of Amarillo out to cheer the guys on and the Hereford High Marine Corps Junior OTC who turned out at 7am on a Saturday morning to line the running route with flags. Its about the guys at Hanger who have kept Mark on the road and Heath and Bill who ran with him. The schoolchildren of Oklahoma who made Mark, Chunks and Crazys’ day with their questions. Its about everyone who has helped us or stopped us by the side of the road to give us their hard-earned money, or gone online from the UK, or texted.

Its about 6 guys - Crazy, Jamie, Damian, Chunks, MD and Mark who whilst tired and hurting are still pounding the tarmac and pulling together to keep going and complete the challenge. Its about the support crew - Toady, Kes, Danny, Matt and Caroline who all play their part to keep the team rolling on.

But most of all its about all the servicemen and women who need our help, those like the 19 year old US Marine, now a quadruple amputee, who is learning to use his prosthetics, that’s what is most important and that’s why we are here.

Thanks for helping us make a difference, Clazza

Text GUMP to 50555 to donate $10 or 70800 to donate £5.