MILITARY Cross holder Brian Wood starts his 18th marathon of the month today.

The Whitehill-based veteran of the second Iraq war is taking on The Ultimate Sacrifice Challenge by completing 25 marathons in 25 days.

This will allow him to run a mile for each of the 635 members of the British armed forces killed in that conflict and the war in Afghanistan.

Brian, a former Colour Sergeant in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, started from his home on November 1, with each subsequent marathon starting at a different military barracks.

Each day he is wearing a different T-shirt bearing some of the victims’ names, and he is raising money for armed forces charity Walking With The Wounded.

Brian said: “After watching Afghanistan fall into Taliban hands, I wanted to shift the narrative and do something positive. I believe I have a duty to remember and represent our fallen soldiers, so I decided to run 635 miles throughout November.

“I will dedicate every mile to each individual who lost their life during the conflicts. Anyone wishing to support me in this epic challenge is welcome to join me in running as much or as little as they can or by donating to @walkingwiththewounded, for which I’m hoping to raise £20,000. I have supported Walking With The Wounded for years and I know they continue to support so many people who need it.”

Brian was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in combat and courageous leadership in Iraq. He later faced unfounded accusations of committing war crimes but was fully vindicated at an inquiry.