Group will run and hike D-Day beaches for charity

Five people are preparing to run and hike along the Normandy beaches to commemorate the D-Day landings.

The group will travel up to 44 miles (71km) along the French coastline and hope to raise £10,000 for the veterans' charity Combat Stress.

Thursday marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, the largest seaborne invasion in history.

In a joint statement, the group said they were "proud and honoured" to take on the challenge.

"It is a huge privilege to remember the sacrifices of all those who took part in D-Day 80 years ago," they said.

All of the group had relatives who fought in the war.

Chris Scott, from Norwich, said he was inspired to take part after learning more about his wife's grandfather, John Worthington, who landed at Juno beach with the Royal Naval Commandos.

After he was discharged, he worked as a fisherman in Overstrand, Norfolk, and died in 2021.

Mr Worthington was at the 75th D-Day remembrance commemoration in Normandy.

One of the group Iain Willis, who is also regional fundraiser for Combat Stress, said: "The opportunity of bringing together our team of runners and hikers to take on this epic challenge on the 80th anniversary of D-Day was an opportunity not to miss."

Mr Scott, Jonny Cracknell, also from Norwich, and Chris Marsh, from Southampton, plan to start their run from Pointe du Hoc Monument and run alongside Omaha, Juno, Sword and Gold beaches.

Mr Willis from Eastbourne, and Sharne Cracknell, from Norwich, will hike 22 miles (35km) of the route.

Combat Stress provides mental health treatment to veterans.

Follow Norfolk news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830