Ben has begun his Imperial March to Paris in aid of Layla’s Trust and the boys have already encountered treacherous weather and a more reliable chain ferry than ours! They set-off from Cowes on Saturday afternoon and made their way to Portsmouth via the Hovercraft where they enjoyed their final ‘big meal’ at Frankie & Bennys whilst waiting for the ferry to France.
Day One
Ben and the team were in high spirits after a 30km walk and fantastic send off in Cowes
Day Two
Day Three
Update direct from the team at the end of day 3 (30/04/2018):
“Bonsoir! Day 3 done, I don’t know about you guys and gals back home but I am amazed by Ben and the boys today. After a kind of false start we dropped the boys off again with a few tweaks to their gear, after acquiring some upgrades they headed off into the ice cold rain and sleet – which I might add hasn’t let up all day and is still coming down as I write this.
They managed around 37km today arriving ahead of their eta and ahead of their original target destination, arriving just after 6pm down at a “fully functioning” floating bridge, not far from camp.
Myself and Steve were waiting for them with our #wightfibre support van, to get the boys in the warm ASAP.
A very short journey back to camp, a quick freshen up and a dip in the “heated” (sub 20 degree) “indoor” (the thermometer read 5 degree in its greenhouse!) swimming pool, followed by a nice hot shower and a slap up camp meal cooked by Steve (thanks buddy) – now a few cups of tea and early night ahead!”
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Today’s update from the team on Bens Imperial March 2 Facebook page…
“End of day 6 here on #bensimperialmarch the boys finished in #bennecourt and another 35km in the bag!
After a cool start the team finished around 6.30pm in glorious sunshine and 16 degree heat – finally!
A long day today – not over yet, with a long journey back to camp – eta 8pm! Spirits still high here among #teamben (don’t believe the Facebook videos ?) please donate and please please suggest a name for our poor little bear in your donation comment! Au revoir!”
Day Seven
“End of day 7 here on #bensimperialmarch the boys finished in #aubergenville and a quick 29km chipped away – over 200km total!
After another cool start Ben and the boys met us about 5.30pm for some nammit on the road before the trip back to camp, although glorious sunshine and 20 degree heat, doesn’t feel as warm as yesterday because of the breeze!
Don’t forget to suggest a name for our poor little bear in your donation comment!”
Day Eight
“End of Day 8!
An absolute scorcher. Matthew, Simon and I struggled at times through 24 degrees, very sweaty and tough. However we had lots of uplifting encounters from French locals as well as a couple of Brits.
We managed to cover 28km though and finished at the George Pompidou Bridge on the banks of the Seine now just 16km from our goal at the Eiffel Tower tomorrow.”
Come back tomorrow for more updates from the team! In the meantime, you can join the journey on Bens Imperial March 2 Facebook page and donate by pressing the button below.
