Barnstaple veteran completes 100-mile challenge for charity

A Barnstaple veteran has completed a 100-mile challenge to raise funds for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity. 

Conrad Goss, a wounded, injured, or sick (WIS) veteran who served with the Royal Military Police (RMP), Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), and the reservists, embarked on the ambitious speed march on Thursday, July 25.

Despite medical challenges that forced him to leave the military in 1995, Conrad pushed through to finish his challenge.

Starting at midday, Conrad completed ten 10-mile laps between Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) Chivenor and Barnstaple along the Tarka Trail. 

Initially aiming to complete the 100-mile distance in 24 hours, Conrad finished in 27 hours and 22 minutes. 

His efforts included 24 to 25 hours of non-stop speed marching and walking. 

When his injuries made it impossible to continue on foot, Conrad switched to a bicycle, covering 30 miles before resuming the final 10-mile lap on foot.

The challenge was supported by serving personnel from Helberg Troop, the Rehab Troop from Commando Logistics Regiment, RMB Chivenor, and the North Devon RMA branch. Their collective effort was crucial to Conrad’s completion of the challenge.

Reflecting on the experience, Conrad emphasised the importance of mindset in both the Royal Marines and life in general. 

“First to understand, first to adapt and respond, first to overcome. We showed this during the fundraising event and identified additional medical issues that began to affect my performance. We adapted accordingly to enable me to continue and succeed,” Conrad said.

While the focus of the challenge was to raise funds and awareness for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity, Conrad is already considering his next fundraising endeavour. 

Possible future challenges include swimming from Lundy Island to Saunton Sands Beach, a 360-mile speed march, or a non-stop long-distance cycle.

Conrad said: “I’m currently taking a break but also contemplating the next fundraising challenge. Some ideas being considered include swimming from Lundy Island to Saunton Sands Beach, a 360 mile speed march, a non-stop long distance cycle, or something that perhaps readers of this might like to suggest? Anything extreme to raise money for the RMA”