Good luck to Marine Martyn Williams in the Dakar Rally

MARINE Martyn Williams, of RNAS Yeovilton, is in South America to take part in a challenge to become a member of the first-ever disability team to complete the Dakar Rally, arguably the world's toughest rally race.

Martyn is with Race2Recovery, a group of predominantly injured soldiers who have formed a rally team to raise funds for Forces charities.

He was injured in 2008 when serving in Sangin, Afghanistan, escaping an explosion with multiple breaks in his left foot. He is still active in the Commando Helicopter Force and will resume his career after competing in the Dakar Rally.

The team's four Wildcat race vehicles will take to the start line in Lima, Peru, tomorrow morning - the opening day of 15 days of racing over 9,000kms of extreme mountain and desert terrain. The route will take them through southern Peru, across the border into Argentina and finally onto Chile where they hope to cross the finish line in Santiago on Sunday, January 20.

Martyn said: "It’s a fantastic feeling to be in Lima and know that we’re about to get our race cars onto that start line.

"It’s been a long journey to get the team this far and the effort everyone’s put in has been first class.

"To have formed a rally raid team, capable to getting to the world’s toughest race, is only 18 months is a huge achievement in itself.  The team is living by its motto, showing that people can achieve extraordinary things beyond their injuries."

Martyn added: "From my perspective, I know that driving one of the support trucks is a massive challenge and responsibility.  It’s a daunting challenge but one that we’re all doing with smiles on our faces – the banter in the team has always been strong and we’re loving every minute of being here.

"I hope that, now the Race2Recovery team is finally here at the Dakar, it shines an even bigger spotlight on our fundraising campaign and that, through generous donations from the public and from businesses of all sizes, we can raise even more money to support the recovery process for injured servicemen and women.

"I hope everyone back home follows our progress and I certainly know that my friends and colleagues back in Yeovil are getting behind me and the rest of the team.”

It has been an exciting few months for Martyn. Back in July he delivered the Olympic flame into London on the relay around the country when he descended down a rope from a Sea King hovering over Tower Bridge with the flame in a Davy lamp.

 To follow the Race2Recovery team’s progress on the Dakar Rally or to make a donation to the fundraising effort visit the website www.race2recovery.com or to donate £5 via mobile text RACE20 £5 to 70070. The team are also encouraging people to follow them on Google+ (Race2Recovery), Twitter (@race2recovery) and Facebook.

PHOTO: The full Race2Recovery team of injured soldiers and civilian volunteers, and its race and support vehicles, pictured on arrival in Lima, Peru ahead of the start of the 2013 Dakar Rally

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