Marines’ epic feat raises thousands
SIX Royal Marines have completed the epic feat of pulling a 700lb sleigh 60 miles to raise money for families of soldiers killed in conflict.
In two days, the group travelled from London to Brighton via Crawley and managed to raise more than £5,000 from bucket collections alone.
David Lilburn, organiser of the Sleigh Pull, said: “The support from the people on route was fantastic. People were throwing change out of buses into buckets, it was incredible.
“We wanted to raise £10,000 and with paper and online sponsorship I believe we have surpassed that.”
‘Reindeers’ Stuart Baldwin, Kai Ives and David Lilburn of Broadfield, Stuart Bourne of Ifield, Stuart Power of Taunton and Potz Carrburn of Peckham are all serving or former marines who pulled the sleigh.
They started their challenge in London on the morning of December 3 before arriving in Crawley’s High Street at around 4pm.
Townsfolk, MP Henry Smith and the Mayor of Crawley, Cllr Carol Eade, lined the streets to welcome the marines to the town.
Cllr Eade said: “I thought the Marines were absolutely amazing as they arrived in the High Street.
“They had pulled the sleigh for 27.2 miles and still looked fantastic. What an outstanding way of allowing the public to show their appreciation for the English heroes by donating Christmas presents to their children.”
As well as raising money for Help the Wounded Royal Marines they will be distributing presents to children of marines who have given their lives.
Mr Lilburn said: “We are looking forward to giving out presents to the children.
“We have collected more than 500 gifts which means each child will get about five presents each as everyone has exceeded expectations with their generosity.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/David-Lilburn
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Weather for Crawley
Sunday 27 May 2012
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