Volunteers pulling a one-ton field gun on an ambitious 1,000-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End are set to pass through Bude this week as part of their attempt at a world-first challenge travelling the length of the country.

This feat of strength and endurance has been coordinated by Military vs Cancer with the aim of raising £150,000 to alleviate the effects of cancer for military personnel past and present, as well as for their immediate families.

The challenge started from John O’Groats on the tip of Scotland, on September 1, with a 20 strong team of military, veterans, volunteers and celebrities pulling the gun weighing 1,000 kg, the equivalent to a full-grown male giraffe, between 20 and 25-miles a day as they make their way down the country. They have so far covered over 780 miles.

This challenge demands everything from those taking part as they push through for up to 10 hours a day, burning more than 6,000 calories, while battling blisters, sore muscles, fatigue, traffic, unpredictable weather and sleepless nights.

With the team changing daily, the whole challenge is expected to involve over 1,300 volunteers to pull the dead weight all the way down the country.

David Bathgate, 56, chief executive officer of Military vs Cancer who came up with the idea and is taking part in the full challenge, said: “Cancer affects so many within the Armed Forces community, whether serving, veterans, or their families.

“Military vs Cancer is dedicated to providing direct support to those who need it most, and this event is about showing what can be achieved when people come together with determination and purpose.”

The challenge is expected to take 45 days in total – with the team hoping to reach the finish at Land’s End later this month.

So far, the challenge has attracted the support of communities across the country, with the World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman, even coming out to give his support for the challenge in Alnes.

There has also been support from local people in towns, villages and cities all over the country as it has travelled down and are hoping for a big turn out from Bude.

David added: “This all wouldn’t be possible without the support of thousands of volunteers, companies and members of the public who are donating to the charity- and we’d like to thank the local people for coming out to cheer us on in advance.”

The money raised will be going towards nursing care, travel costs for treatment, home adaptations, respite breaks, special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis and peer group support.

“Every donation makes a difference,” he added.

Although not being verified as a world record, organisers believe this to be the first time a one-ton field gun has been pulled the entire length of the country.

To support the challenge, people can donate via the official Crowdfunder page: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/field-gun-pull-2025