FUNDRAISING champion Alan Rowe MBE says he has been amazed with the progress of the Baton, a charity he set up to boost support for British troops.

FUNDRAISING champion Alan Rowe MBE says he has been amazed with the progress of the Baton, a charity he set up to boost support for British troops.

Although the charity was only launched in November last year, many projects are now in place for 2010.

The Baton, crafted from the handle of a stretcher used in Afghanistan, will be carried at numerous events, and offers of sponsorship have been forthcoming.

Mr Rowe ran Disney's Goofy Challenge, in Orlando, America, last month - a half marathon, followed the next day by a full marathon. His efforts raised over �2,000 towards the Baton's cause.

Starting early on Sunday, March 7, the Baton will be carried from Honiton to Plymouth Hoe by a relay team, which aims to cover 65 miles in one day.

At the Hoe, the Baton will be officially handed over to officers of the Royal Marines' ski team who will carry it 1,000km across Norway, taking in Royal Marine memorial sites. The last 250km of the route will follow the Heroes of Telemark route.

Mr Rowe told the Herald: "All of us at the Baton are honoured to support and encourage this incredible ski challenge by the Royal Marines. Anyone who skis will appreciate just how arduous this historic cross country exercise will be."

Mr Rowe was invited to explain more about the Baton to guests during a regimental dinner, attended by The First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope, and the Commandant General of the Royal Marines, Major General Andy Salmon OBE.

Mr Rowe said: "I was encouraged by the wishes of support given to the Baton's cause by senior officers and guests alike."

Mr Rowe has also been invited to Lubbecke, Germany, by the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps to present the Baton's cause and explain how they can support it.

In April two runners, Kevin Hawker and Dan Hall, will be running the London Marathon expressly for the Baton, Dan carrying it all the way.

Kevin is a leading member of Honiton Running Club, of which Mr Rowe is president.

Dan is a young serviceman, who is part of the team clearing improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, regularly risking his life to protect others, military and civilian.