A BOURNEMOUTH boxer led the way in the “unbelievable” experience of a commemorative D-Day run - but he does not have a chance to rest as his next physical challenge is just around the corner.

Jake Best was first to reach Portsmouth after setting off from Tarrant Rushton in the Run to Pegasus challenge.

After a ferry crossing to France, he joined the rest of the participants to walk to the historic bridge, where in June 1944 an assault saw soldiers seize the two bridges and secure a vital road inland for the troops landing on the beaches on D-Day.

After a special ceremony at Pegasus Bridge, the group visited several memorials before getting an opportunity to take in some of the coastal landing sites.

Mr Best, who raised money with team-mates Remi Damiani and Terry Porter, said: “It was an unbelievable opportunity to be there.

“When we got to the bridge I am not sure if anyone was expecting it but there were thousands of people, with the rifles regiment and band. We were marched across the bridge with everyone applauding us.

“We got to meet a couple of veterans and to shake their hands – it was quite remarkable.

“I had my family with me when we went to the beach. Because of the time and the people I had been around, it really made me reflect on what those men did when they were young to allow our children to play on the beaches 75 years on from such chaos.”

The Bournemouth trio of runners have raised more than £7,300 for the Veterans Charity.

Mr Best’s attention now turns to two wheels as this weekend he launches his attempt to cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. He is raising money for Football For Cancer, a national charity attempting to raise awareness and funds for all those affected by cancer through sporting events.

“For me I was always confident on the 75-mile run, although I didn’t think for the life of me I would finish first,” said Mr Best. “This one is going to be far tougher for myself. I have always been a decent runner but before this challenge was set I had not ridden a bike since I was 12 years old. There are three of us doing it and the two others are really good cyclists, I am going to be the weakest in the group, so mentally that is going to be something I am not used to. I am not looking forward to them having to slow down for me.”

To find out more about the cycle, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cycleforcancer1000