FOUR friends from the Forest of Dean have completed a remarkable 100km trek across the battlefields of World War I, raising an impressive £9,004 for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The journey began at Lochnagar Crater, where the Battle of the Somme erupted, and led the group through significant battlefield sites from Arras to Ypres, concluding at the iconic Menin Gate.

Along the way, the team visited memorials honouring those who fought and fell over a century ago.

The inspiration for the walk emerged during a conversation at the pub after the 2023 Remembrance Commemoration Service in Coleford. Marcus Gartside, Paul Burton, Lou Brice, and Paula Gartside set a target to raise £5,000 for the fund, which supports soldiers, veterans, and their families.

Their efforts included pub quizzes, raffles, bingo nights, and events like the Globe Music Festival in Berry Hill.

The largest fundraising event took place at the Crown in Coalway on Armed Forces Day, featuring live music, a pool tournament, a raffle, and activities for children. The day raised over £850 and highlighted the generosity of the local community.

The walk itself spanned three challenging days, with stops at memorials such as the Thiepval Memorial, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Vimy Ridge. Each site served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

Marcus shared: “This was an incredible experience and a humbling journey. The support from the Forest of Dean community was overwhelming, and we are proud to have exceeded our fundraising goal.”

Plans are already underway for another Armed Forces Day fundraiser at the Crown on Saturday, 28 June, to support the Army Benevolent Fund further.

The team extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, including the customers of the Crown and the Globe, for their unwavering support in aiding soldiers and veterans.