This weekend, June 29-30, former British Army Sergeant Guy Radlett undertook a walk from Rye Harbour to Chichester to commemorate both the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Boar’s Head – “The Day Sussex Died”. As well as marking these important anniversaries, Guy was raising money for the RBL Poppy Appeal, and other military charities including ABF, Veteran’s Growth and StrongMen – the last two are based in Sussex.
Here is a link for donations: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/7247/sussex-by-the-sea-memorial-march-2025/
The weather forecast for Sunday and Monday along the Sussex coast came with an amber alert because temperatures were set to soar. Guy was not deterred as he set off at a brisk pace from Rye Harbour having been wished good luck by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman. The air was warm but there was a cooling breeze. Two veterans of the Sussex Regiment also wished him a safe passage and were setting off to greet him at Brighton’s Amex stadium later that weekend.
Guy kept in touch through video and text as the day got hotter and hotter. He is certainly a man of courage and determination: many would not have ploughed through the day and reached their target. The heat was relentless and his back-pack was heavy but he had a goal and he was going to achieve it.
Guy has raised just shy of £3,000 and would love the total to be so much more. Donations can be made here.
Guy summed up his challenge after it was over: “I set off from Rye Harbour at 7am on a muggy Sunday morning with a send-off from HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, beginning the Sussex by the Sea Memorial March to Chichester from Rye, with Sussex in my heart and the sea by my side. The aim was to raise funds and awareness for several service and bereavement-related charities. Carrying roughly eighteen kg, I covered the rugged stretch between Rye and Hastings in under three hours. From there, supporters joined me as far as Cooden Beach. But the heat, weight, and a punishing section of shingle began to take their toll, and by the time I reached Eastbourne – a full marathon in – I was worn.
“Progress slowed over the Seven Sisters. Cramp set in as the temperature climbed, and by the end of those unforgiving hills, I was struggling. Support was essential in getting me back on my feet. With the tide out, we waded across the Cuckmere River and pushed on, stopping for the night just outside Brighton.
“The next morning, marking the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Boar’s Head – the ‘Day Sussex Died’ – I marched into the South Downs and led a small tribute in the Memorial Garden at Brighton and Hove Albion’s AMEX stadium. I was joined by the Mayor of Brighton, members of the Royal Sussex Regimental Association, and the BBC. From Falmer, I returned to the coast and followed it west, covering eighty miles over two days and ending just shy of Bognor Regis, saturated, baked and wishing for rain.
“Though willing to press on, after more than twelve hours in searing heat, better judgement prevailed. Accepting a lift, I arrived at Chichester’s Dell Quay and the Crown and Anchor pub, where the Chichester Branch of the Royal Sussex Regimental Association welcomed me. I eased my aching body into a seat, raised a pint of Harvey’s ‘Best’, and tucked into a fish and chips supper – grateful, if not triumphant.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Celia Baker , Celia Baker , Kt bruce , Guty Radlett , Guy Radlett , Guy Radlett .