AN RAF reservist is preparing to complete a gruelling 160km march in Holland in memory of his close friend, Duncan Savage, of Christian Malford, who died in April.

Peter Gedge, 53, of Chippenham, who works for the Ministry of Defence in Corsham, is taking on the Nijmegen Marches for the second time as part of a team from RAF Brize Norton. He is raising money for the British Heart Foundation, after his friend’s sudden death aged 57 following a heart attack.

The Nijmegen Marches, which run from July 19-22, is an annual event held in Holland, where 42,000 walkers, including a significant military contingent from across the globe, complete the arduous 160km route over four days.

"It makes the London Marathon look small-fry," said Mr Gedge, as he described the relentless itinerary, which involves rising at 4am and marching for more than 10 hours every day. This year’s march promises to be extra special, as it is the 100th anniversary of the event.

The march is also a test of cooperation and teamwork. "It’s not just about your own ability,’ Mr Gedge said. "You’re marching as a squad. You can see the look of steely determination in everyone’s faces."

As he marches Mr Gedge will be thinking of his friend, Duncan Savage, who was keen on outdoor activities.

The pair met through Mr Savage’s wife, Yvonne, who was a childminder to Mr Gedge and his wife Jane’s two children, and became firm friends.

Mr Savage had two children, Stuart, 21, and Heather, 18, and Mr Gedge said he will always remember him as "a great family man".

Mr Gedge has been overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters, and at the time of writing has already exceeded his initial fundraising target of £300 by £165. Any further donations can be made on his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PETER-GEDGE.