Nottingham military students are running for Remembrance

Military students from Nottingham are joining others from military colleges across England and Wales in running 38,480 miles in remembrance of those who lost their lives in battle.
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Around 1000 learners and staff at the 35 Military Preparation Colleges (MPC) in both countries are taking part in the gruelling 14-day event, called MPCT’s My Poppy Run – a nod to the Royal British Legion’s own My Poppy Run, which starts today (Wednesday, Remembrance Day).

And if they reach their target mileage, they will have collectively run two miles for every life lost on the first day of the Battle of The Somme, on July 1, 1916.

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MPCs use military and progressive education techniques to help young people achieve their potential.

A MPCT student pays her respects to the fallenA MPCT student pays her respects to the fallen
A MPCT student pays her respects to the fallen

Along with training in physical fitness, the courses – whose instructors are all ex-British armed forces personnel – help learners achieve qualifications in English and mathematics and become proficient at problem solving, public speaking, leadership and communication.

Each day, participants will complete a range of physical activities – in line with their abilities – from walking, jogging, and running to cycling and upper body exercises.

Walking, running, and jogging will be scored in actual miles covered while comparable scoring will be measured for other activities.

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MPC founder and chief executive Huw Lewis MBE, a former Captain of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, said: “On the very first day of the Battle of the Somme, the British forces suffered a total of 19,240 fatalities in a single day.

“By reaching this target we will collectively be completing two miles for each of the fatalities on what was, without exception, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.”

MPCT’s Poppy Run aims to raise around £20,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal 2020, with all donations being processed through a JustGiving account.

Huw continued: “By taking part in this event, our staff and learners will undoubtedly reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to ensure our freedom.”

To find out more about the Military Preparation Colleges, prospective learners and parents and guardians can click here or call 0330 1113939.