The D-Day\u00a044\u00a0Challenge commemorates the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dean Smith has raised more than \u00a35,000 for Combat Stress<\/a>, which helps former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.<\/p>\n Beginning in Normandy, the challenge saw participants race across its picturesque beaches, finishing at the historic Pegasus Bridge on the anniversary of D-Day, June 6.<\/p>\n “I wanted to complete the challenge in honour of our forefathers as well as current servicemen and women who have bravely fought to protect our way of life,” said Dean. <\/p>\n “When we got to Pegasus Bridge \u2013 on the 81st\u00a0anniversary of the D-Day landings \u2013 I was in bits. <\/p>\n “The thought of what had happened there was quite overwhelming and made me realise how vital mental health treatment is for veterans who\u2019ve experienced trauma.”<\/p>\n Dean, 54, is co-founder\u00a0of Recovery Runners<\/a>, a\u00a0running\u00a0club\u00a0originally set up for people recovering from substance addiction which now welcomes anyone who wants to work out in non-judgemental, relaxed environment. <\/p>\n They meet between 9.30am and 10am every Sunday at Halton Moor Amateur Boxing\u00a0Club, with runs for a range of ability levels from Couch to 5k up to 10k for more established runners. <\/p>\n Participants are asked to pay just \u00a31 to cover costs. \u00a0<\/p>\n To support Dean’s D-Day\u00a044\u00a0Challenge, visit his fundraising page<\/a>. <\/p>\n Read all the latest news from in and around Leeds<\/a>, West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n![\"TRUSTPILOT](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Trust_Pilot_-_Web1.png\")
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