Longest Day News
Get inspired, and stay tuned for our 2026 updates and participant highlights!
Shining a spotlight on the uphill battle veterans face
By Media Team on
Veteran Dean Browning undertook the famous 110-mile Marmotte cycling challenge, riding over four iconic mountains in the French Alps on 22nd June to raise funds for veteran mental health. Dean has always had a passion for sports, and says he uses it as his outlet for dealing with life’s challenges.
Growing up in a navy town and hearing stories of his grandad’s time in the forces inspired Dean to pursue his own career in the military, so, after leaving school aged 16, he joined the Royal Navy, where he then spent the next 11 years before becoming a PE teacher in the prison service.
The challenges veterans face when returning into civilian life is often compared to climbing mountains, a thought that spurred Dean on when planning his challenge.
“Exercise is something that has always been important to me, and I use it as a way of looking after myself both physically and mentally. We all get lost at times and need to get ourselves back on track, and sometimes people need support from charities like Walking With The Wounded to do that. The work that this charity does is extremely important and is a cause close to my heart, so I’ll do anything I can to help them continue supporting veterans. This challenge isn’t about me; it’s about helping others.”
Find out more about Dean’s fundraising challenge: Support Dean Browning this June and make a donation.
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Why one group of friends keeps swinging into action for their Longest Day golf challenge
By Media Team on
For the past decade, Paul Charnock has brought together a group of friends to take on a 72-hole golfing challenge, raising funds for charities close to their hearts.
For the last two years, they’ve supported Walking With The Wounded, raising vital funds to help veterans get back on track and moving forward. As the team took on the challenge once again this year as part of our Longest Day campaign, Paul summed it up in three words – Resilience, Purpose and Camaraderie.
Paul’s history with the charity goes back even further, with his initial support starting when he took part in the Cumbrian Challenge. Over time, he wanted to find another way to support and get others involved, which is where the idea for the golf day came from.
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RAF Corporal taking on 255km June running challenge
By Media Team on
Corporal Louis Blanshard, No.7 RAF Police and Security squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, is taking on a 255km running challenge throughout June to raise funds for Walking With The Wounded's Longest Day campaign. Louis will complete the challenge by running 8.5km every day during this month. He is also running in memory of the 255 British lives lost during the Falklands War.
Speaking about the challenge, Louis said: "I have chosen to raise money for Walking With The Wounded because I believe the work they do is incredibly important and makes a real difference. They have had a positive impact on so many ex-service personnel, helping them adjust to civilian life.
The aim of this challenge is to push myself further than I ever have...
Motorcyclists 400-mile ride to commemorate Armed Forces Day
By Media Team on
Adventure seekers James Davis and Ross Worthington took on a 400-mile motorbike ride on Saturday 28th June to mark Armed Forces Day and raise funds to support veterans.
Setting off from Tidworth the pair rode north, laying commemorative wreaths in Tidworth, Bletchley and Manchester, before reaching their final destination and wreath laying in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Speaking on their reasons for taking on the challenge, James, said:
“I'm delighted to have undertaken a 'Long Way Home ' Longest Day' motorbike ride with key Walking With The Wounded partner Ross Worthington. The biking community shares many values with the Armed Forces family - loyalty, drive, purpose and the promotion of the group over the individual. It was our honour to fly...