International team of Veterans to finish “Gumpathon” run across US: Santa Monica on Veterans Day

Nov. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- Media Contact: Kirt Rebello, KMR Consulting Services, LLC            C: (508) 264-4201
On-site Contact: Wendy Lethin, Senior Director of West Coast Community Relations   C: (760) 390-4930

International team of six Veterans to finish “Gumpathon” run across US - Efforts raise money for injured Veterans

Santa Monica, CA – An international team of military personnel consisting of four British Royal Marines, one British Army Soldier and one United States Marine, will be finishing their epic journey of running across the United States to raise money for U.S. and British military charities, at a celebration on the Santa Monica Pier this Veterans Day.

Dubbed the “Gumpathon,” this run is the brainchild of British Royal Marine Colour Sergeant Damian Todd who, after watching the movie “Forrest Gump” in 1994, was inspired to run across the country but in his case, Damian wanted to run “for a particular reason.” The Gumpathon’s reason for running has been to raise money for three military charities: In the U.S., the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund; and in Great Britain, the Royal Marine Charitable Trust Fund and Help for Heroes.

Since departing New York City on September 10th the team has run in relay fashion for 8 weeks and during their run have covered 3,530 miles, through 16 states, 789 cities and towns, and 4 time zones. They climbed 10 mountain ranges, reaching an elevation of 7,527 feet, and consumed an average of 3,500 calories of food per day to keep the pace.

A special member of the team, Royal Marine Mark Ormrod, has been running an average of 1 mile per day on prosthetic legs, to contribute towards the team’s progress. Mark became a triple amputee on Christmas Eve 2007, during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, when he stepped on a land mine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of both of his legs and his right arm.

The team will be running onto the pier around 10.30am and the celebration will include a color guard, marching band, flyover by a WW2 fighter plane, several high-ranking US and British military officers, cycling legend Mark Cavendish and hundreds of supporters at the pier to greet the team.

Please consider covering this event and their efforts!

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury. Our fund provides relief to qualified Servicemembers and their families for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.

SFF has awarded more than 23,000 financial grants totaling more than $44,000,000.00!

The Semper Fi Fund was founded by Karen Guenther, a registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine who had first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by wounded Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses established IMSFF in May of 2004.

Who:      Team Gumpathon and Semper Fi Fund representatives
What:    Media availability to Gumpathon team members and supporters
When:    Thursday, November 10, 2010, 10:30am
Where:    The Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Links:   Semper Fi Fund – www.semperfifund.org
               The Gumpathon – www.thegumpathon.com

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Nonprofit organization providing financial assistance and quality of life solutions to Marines and Sailors, and qualified members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, injured in post 9-11 combat/training operations, or facing life threatening illness.