You’ve heard of a tank top, but this is taking it to extremes. Wearing a mock-up model of an armoured vehicle, civil servant Graeme Lloyd is preparing to set off on his latest long-distance walk in costume to raise money for good causes.
Last year, Graeme donned a triceratops costume and walked from Portsmouth to the starting point of the London Marathon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charities… then completed the 26-mile ‘jaunt’ around the capital.
Twelve months on and Graeme, who works at HMS Sultan in Gosport, has teamed up with former Royal Navy captain John Kelly (who’ll be dressed as a warship, naturally).
Over seven days (June 18-24) the duo will be walking from Bovington in Dorset, home of the tank, to Portsmouth using footpaths (not roads) via military sites: Blandford Camp, the former fuel depot at West Moors near Ferndown, Marchwood military port, then on to HMS Collingwood in Fareham, HMS Sultan, and finally HMS Excellent on Whale Island in Portsmouth – covering around 100 miles in all.
Which isn’t too demanding – but the costumes are heavy and cumbersome. The pair will use braces or a sports bib to do some of the supporting but will have to hold up their models.
And for good measure, there are smoking pellets which will be inserted in the tank gun to look like it’s firing (like the similar pellets used on model railways to simulate steam from a locomotive).
“The costumes each weigh about 20 kilogrammes so it’s not going to be plain sailing to get to the finish line,” Graeme said. “We have been training wearing additional weights when out walking so hopefully it won’t be too painful.”
The funds will be raised through the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Giving Back initiative, with donations divided equally between the Veterans’ Foundation and the MND Association.
Jane Gurney, CEO, Veterans’ Foundation said,
“We are incredibly grateful to Graeme and John for taking on such a remarkable and imaginative challenge in support of the Veterans’ Foundation and the MND Association. Walking 100 miles while carrying 20-kilogramme tank and warship costumes is no small feat and demonstrates real dedication to the causes they are supporting.
“As the Veterans’ Foundation marks 10 years of supporting veterans and their families through vital grants, fundraising efforts like this are more important than ever. Their challenge is so eye-catching, inspiring and sure to capture the public’s imagination. We wish them every success and thank them for helping us continue our work across the UK.”
Three of Graeme’s close relatives have been struck down by the debilitating disease, which is characterised by nerves stopping sending ‘instructions’ to muscles, increasingly limiting movement and key bodily functions.
As well as the walk, Graeme and John have organised several supporting events, including cake sales featuring uniquely-branded cupcakes, and a live performance at HMS Sultan by a band comprising former Service personnel.
You can support their efforts at https://givewheel.com/fundraising/13614/the-military-miles/
