My name is Chris, I'm a keen runner, and this year I have decided to take on some challenges for charity.

I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for our servicemen and women. I am always taken by the stories of selflessness, courage, and sacrifice made by our service personnel. We ask a lot of them. They are ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things, often in the most difficult circumstances and challenging of environments. This can take a heavy toll, both physically and mentally.

That's why I have chosen to support Veterans Coastal Retreats.

On 8th May 2022 I ran the Sunderland City Half Marathon wearing boots and carrying a 35lb weighted rucksack. This was the furthest I had ever run wearing this kind of kit and was a real challenge.

On 18th June 2022 I completed my biggest challenge, mentally and physically, by running 'The Wall': a 70 mile (112km) ultramarathon from Carlisle Castle to the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. I finished in 13hrs 20mins 26secs coming in 41st place from 586 starters/484 finishers.

Veterans Coastal Retreats is the brain-child of Richard Perkins, aka The Running Guardsman, and was set up in 2020 as a non-profit organisation, run by volunteers, with the sole aim of purchasing a holiday home to enable ex-service personnel and their families to enjoy a free staycation on the coast in North Cornwall.

The Mental Health Foundation estimates there are 5 million veterans in the UK with 20,000 personnel leaving each year. It is common for veterans to develop mental health problems after leaving service, many of whom will experience PTSD. The mental health of ex-service personnel may be made worse by the stress of transitioning to civilian life which can then lead to difficulties in relationships, a higher risk of suicide, alcohol misuse and homelessness.

The type of property required doesn’t come on the market very often and doesn’t come cheap, so Richard and his team have a huge fundraising target. Please support my attempt at taking on The Wall and help Veterans Coastal Retreats to provide some rest and relaxation for those dealing with the physical and mental effects of active service, and those struggling to transition to civilian life. All donations, however large or small will help, and will be gratefully received.

For more on how my training and preparation is going follow me on Instagram @running_hiker.

For more information and news on the charity visit www.veteranscoastalretreats.com, follow Veteran’s Coastal Retreats on Facebook, or @veterans_coastal_retreats on Instagram.

For more on Richard’s own running and fundraising adventures follow him on Instagram @the_running_guardsman.