Two Marines, 350 Miles and just 12 hours - that was the challenge that Royal Marine Commandos Richie Puttock (pictured right) and Mark Williams (pictured left) set themselves as a fundraiser for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. The guys chose a 350 mile challenge in memory of Lt John Thornton RM and because this year marks the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines .

On Saturday 16th August, Richie and Mark climbed onto their static bikes and began their cycling challenge at 8am, at Sainsbury's in Ferndown. Just 12 hours earlier they had organised a Ferndown Fit Camp Charity Special, yet another event to raise funds for the JTYAF which achieved a fantastic £334.

As they embarked on their gruelling twelve hour cycle, Richie and Mark were not short of supporters. Sue Blundell, (pictured above with Richie and Mark ) the Charity Co-Ordinator at Sainsbury's was an absolute star, supporting the guys for the entire event, together with Mark Ormrod, and Jack Bellows both former Royal Marines.

The JTYAF volunteers were out in force bag packing at the tills helping to raise funds and we must thank the Sainsbury's customers for their generosity as they donated an amazing £1908 in collecting buckets on the day. A big thank you to Tracy Shipley for some much needed massage as the hours of cycling began to take effect and also Bodyshocker who provided fantastic support with energy drinks and nutrition throughout training and on the day.

Well Richie and Mark smashed their 12 hour target in true Commando style, completing 350 miles, the distance from Ferndown to Carlisle, in just 10 1/2 hours. They smashed their fundraising target too as not only did they raise £1908 from Sainsbury's customers on the day, but with their on-line fundraising and Fit Camp total they achieved an incredible £2526.24 for the JTYAF.

A massive thank you to Richie and Mark for an amazing achievement and it's not too late to support these hoofing guys, why not visit their on-line fundraising page.