The Ultimate Sacrifice Challenge

By Sharon Henry

I had the pleasure in December of chatting to Brian Wood MC, a former Colour Sergeant of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment a few weeks after he had completed one of the toughest challenges in his career. Unfortunately, he was full of flu due to his immune system being low, after his gruelling task. But being the true unassuming hero he is, he insisted on talking to me to bring more awareness to his cause.

Brian, now aged 41 was awarded the Military Cross, one of Britain’s highest awards for gallantry in combat, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, following his courageous leadership under enemy fire during the war in Iraq.

During a heated battle, outnumbered, he seized the initiative, taking a split-second decision to lead his men into the teeth of enemy fire in the first bayonet charge by British soldiers in 25 years.

He put his own life in great danger by leading from the front and under his command, his men defeated the enemy without sustaining any serious casualties themselves. Their actions that day saved many other soldiers’ lives.

During his 16 year military career, Brian led British troops across the full spectrum of battle from training to fighting; from operations in the Balkans to high intensity combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Having to make life-or-death decisions throughout his Army career in hazardous battle situations, usually under great pressure and often against the clock. He had to motivate and lead his men, often gaining their trust when their lives were on the line, means being a competent planner and commander.

Brian needed to ensure that the names of the lives lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts would be remembered and this was his motivation to complete his challenge... to run a mile for every life lost - a total of 635.

Above: Painting of Brian Wood MC by Manchester artist Justin Eagleton

He tasked himself with a minimum of 26 miles a day over 25 consecutive days. This is no mean feat to prepare for. He started on November 1st, 2021. The final marathon was completed at Hogmoor Inclosure, which is a former training track for off-road Army vehicles, which is now used as a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space for the local communities in Whitehill and Bordon.

He said ‘’You have to be 70% mentally focused, as your body will have no idea what to expect as well as fit for the task ahead. The first 12 marathons were the hardest whilst my body adapted to what was happening. It put enormous stress on my ankles, causing both Achilles to double in size. The challenge tested me beyond endurance and had me on the floor in tears with excruciating pain. Most mornings I would slide down the stairs on my backside because my legs were battered. I felt under immense pressure however, I showed up every morning with the mission to remember 26 lives that were on the back on my t-shirt.’’

Brian said the pain he suffered throughout this challenge was nothing compared to the pain the families endure daily.

On Remembrance Day, he set off from London and finished at the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial. This was a very poignant moment for him. He was greeted and joined by Ben Shepherd, a presenter on Good Morning Britain T.V. Who rode his bike due to a knee injury.

He set himself the challenge of raising £20,000 for the Walking with the Wounded charity, which he had already achieved before he set off on his first marathon. This is said encouraged him more.

He had his life story put into film in 2020 which was shown on BBC2 and was one of the highlights of his lifetime achievements. The drama, directed by Sam Miller and starring Toby Jones as the corrupt lawyer has been nominated for a broadcast award for best single drama.

Danny Boy tells the story of Brian and other soldiers, who were falsely accused of killing and torturing civilians and prisoners while serving in the Iraq War. He was just 24 years old when he fought in what’s now thought of as one of the fiercest battles of the Iraq war - the Battle of Danny Boy.

Brian is a frequent broadcaster, and is also a highly inspirational public speaker, delivering compelling sessions on leadership and grit.

He has released a book called

Double Crossed – A Fighting Man

Under Fire and has also launched a fitness wear brand called Keep Attacking.

Brian currently lives in Hampshire, with his wife and their two children.

If you would like to donate, please visit http://Brianwoodmc.co.uk

If you would like to know more about Brian’s fitness brand, please visit: KEEPATTACKING.CO.UK