Randall’s ‘Walk to the Rock’ raises £17,000

Former Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Mark Randall has this week launched the book ‘Walk to the Rock’ -  an account of his journey from Cardiff to Gibraltar and the tale of his adventures through Iberia to bring the Ark of Cardiff to its final resting place, Gibraltar. Yesterday he presented a cheque to the GBC Open Day for £6,400.

Presenting the book at Grand Battery House Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Ivor Lopez spoke of Mark’s “Herculean effort” at having raised an outstanding £17,000.

At the launch Mr Randall gave a brief presentation of his experience as CO Lopez told all present he was pleased that Mark had decided to support both the GBC Open Day which was always greatly supported by all in the community and to the RG Benevolent Fund. This charity will receive just over £10,000 from the proceeds of the book and donations.

“He has witnessed at first-hand the sacrifices that soldiers and their families make having served a whole career in the army and this charity is very close to his heart,” he added.

It was in April when Mark Randall set off from Cardiff Castle with a bang – a Royal Gun Salute fired by the RG in honour of the Queen's birthday. 75 days and 2201 km later fifty RG soldiers walked with him around the Rock, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo marching with them down Main Street.

“My walk to the Rock, Cardiff to Gibraltar was special in more than one way. It had a purpose; to raise funds for charity, it was the longest distance I have ever walked, I managed to combine four Caminos de Santiago, and I ended at home, Gibraltar,” he told the Chronicle.

“I feel very proud of my achievement and overwhelmed by the support I received from the Regiment and the public in general.”