My name is Roy Hayward otherwise known as ‘The T-shirt Man’ or in the Rambler as ‘Hayward’s House of Fashion’ – I’ve been supporting the charitable side of the group’s involvement in part by selling ‘Special Edition’ T-shirts for many years.

In March of 2004 I ‘retired’ from BT, after some 39 years, and have yet to be convinced to get another job. I’ve run and played in several Football and Cricket teams during this time so I’m more than aware of the hard work that goes on in the background to keep things running smoothly.

I’ve been taking part in the Vierdaagse since 1989 and have completed the 4-days 17 times so will probably be considered one of the veterans now. In those early years, with the group’s size varying between 150-300 participants, I organised the travel arrangements for the Midlands contingent of the group and drove one of the BT people carriers to De Dennen. I’m more aware than most of the highs and lows of Nijmegen having failed twice – the very first time through lack of ‘full distance’ training and what would have been the 13th time with a virus. As a result, I’ve also been out with our support teams and earned a red ‘Crew’ T-shirt.

Like most people I’ve taken part in many long-distance ‘training’ walks in the UK, and in Switzerland and Germany culminating, for me, in walking the Inca Trail in Peru – a noticeable difference in altitude to Nijmegen.

I would like to think that my managerial experience from BT, understanding of the needs of participants both before and during the event and awareness of the work involved in running and supporting the team might go some way to filling the void left by Trevor Day standing down, even though most of his original workload has now been spread across the Organising Committee.

Hello, I am Kate, the newest member of the committee. I have been a member of the group since 1997 when I completed my first Nijmegen as a student. Since then I have returned completing the walk 7 times. In 2007 I took on my first role on the support team, earning my red t-shirt. In 2008 I took on another role on the support team, this time as student liaison. During my time with then group I have had the opportunity to fulfill many of the roles within the group; I have enjoyed every single one of them. I hope one day to return to walking but until then I will give all the support I can to the group.

Following eight successful Nijmegen Vierdaagse, Herman sustained a back injury and decided to call it a day in 2000 to concentrate on training the youth element. Herman has been providing training since 1992. Since 1996, the number of students participating on a yearly basis in Nijmegen has ranged from 20-28 and in that time only 2 students have failed to complete. This could not be achieved without the help and support of the teachers and others. Training walks are held fortnightly from January until July, where all are welcome. Herman would like to thank everybody who voted him onto the committee.

Rachel first took part in Nijmegen when she was a student at Headlands school at the age of 14. Last year she came back to have another go and to enjoy the experience all over again with her school friend Kim Walters. Sadly Rachel had to pull out on one of the Swindon training walks, leaving Kim to go it alone. Rachel was then approached by Herman to be the Nijmegen Office Manager, a role she took to with ease because she loves helping people. We are conscious that we currently have little contingency for the key NEM role so for this year Rachel has also been asked to both shadow and then take over the NEM role, which she finds daunting but looking forward to the challenge.

I’m Gina Coltman, you’re First Aid and Support Committee member. I have 23 years First Aid experience, 15 years Massage experience and 2 years road walking experience. I have been part of the First Aid team in Nijmegen for the last 18 years.

I enjoy complementary therapies, and am qualified in several spheres. I own/ride/compete 2 horses and 2 ponies and am Chair of the Pony Riders Association UK, heading that committee. I am a keen skier and to fulfil my sense of challenge and to use my communication skills I enjoy skiing with the blind.

The 2009 Vierdaagse will see Marcus participate at the 50km distance for the 20th consecutive year, having successfully completed the route on 17 previous occasions.

Currently working as a Software Engineer for Siemens Molecular Imaging in Oxford, at which he spends his time building brains. Marcus can sometimes be seen strolling around Wiltshire, Hampshire and Berkshire with people that call themselves the Amesbury Walkers. He says he does this in the hope of getting fit enough not to suffer too much at Nijmegen...