A group of veterans will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme this week, undertaking a 30-kilometre walk along the historic British front line.
Organised by the Veterans Volunteer Service (VVS) from West Sussex, the initiative, Project Somme: Refill Your Boots, will bring together approximately 15 veterans living with a range of visible and non-visible injuries between Monday 29 June and Friday 3 July 2026.
The commemorative walk will take place on Wednesday 1 July, the anniversary of the battle, when participants will carry a 35kg memorial log along the route. The log is engraved with the name of Corporal Mark Wright GC, who was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his gallantry during operations in Afghanistan. VVS founder Gary Hart was alongside Corporal Wright during the incident in which he lost his life, making the tribute especially personal and significant to the group.
The route, which includes both flat and hilly terrain, will take over eight hours to complete and presents a significant challenge, particularly for veterans living with amputations and other injuries.
Among those taking part is Stu Rodd, 52-years-old and from Worthing, who will become the first blind veteran to undertake the challenge. His participation marks a major personal milestone, as well as a moment of deep personal reflection.
Stu joined the Royal Engineers at just 17, but his military career was cut short by a serious medical issue. After leaving the Army, he went on to build a successful career in IT, worked in the police, and later ran his own building company. A passionate sportsman, he also embraced outdoor life, particularly horse riding.
In his mid-forties, Stu’s life changed dramatically following a series of serious health complications. After suffering a respiratory arrest, he was declared dead on arrival at hospital before being resuscitated. When he regained consciousness, he was blind, unable to speak and bedridden. He spent three years in hospital rebuilding his life.
Since leaving hospital in 2024, Stu has shown extraordinary resilience, relearning vital life skills and rediscovering purpose with the support of Blind Veterans UK. He has returned to fitness, taken on long-distance endurance challenges, and now practises judo and Thai boxing. On the first anniversary of leaving hospital, he completed a 57-kilometre ultra challenge, raising £7,500 for Blind Veterans UK.
He says:
“For me, it’s an absolute honour to be invited to take part in the 110th anniversary commemorations. As the only blind veteran on the walk, I feel very proud to represent the charity. My grandfather served in the Gordon Highlanders and although he fought in the Second World War, that regiment lost so many men at the Somme.
“Visiting the memorial and marching past will be incredibly emotional. I feel like I am doing this for him and alongside him. He was the one who inspired me to join the military in the first place. Being there with the team, especially alongside people I have already built strong bonds with, means a great deal to me. It’s going to be an amazing experience and I’m proud to be representing my family as well.”
Veterans will be supported throughout by trained volunteers and peers, including individuals who have served in conflicts from the Falklands to Iraq, reinforcing a strong sense of camaraderie and shared understanding.
The programme has been developed in response to key challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, including social isolation, reduced physical activity, low mood and loss of purpose. VVS has identified the importance of structured, supported activity and peer connection in improving wellbeing.
Participants in the programme go on to become Armed Forces Champions, offering support to other veterans through a “buddy-buddy” system and helping others access the assistance they need.
Poppy Gold, CEO of the Veterans Volunteer Service, says:
“This is far more than a physical challenge. It is about remembrance, resilience and recovery. Walking the Somme front line while carrying Corporal Mark Wright’s name is a deeply personal act of tribute, particularly given his connection to Gary. At the same time, it brings veterans together, helping them rebuild confidence, find purpose again and support one another through shared experience. The impact of this programme continues long after the walk itself is over.”
