Hi all,

This mammoth challenge that I want to take on is completely alien to me. I have always been a sports enthusiast but wrongly or rightly never considered running to fit within that bracket. As a staunch rugby fan/player I’ve continued to enjoy a run around through my adult life but recently discovered some new found enthusiasm for trail running over lockdown! 

My Fiancé has been the driving force behind this hobby that I seem to have picked up. Eliza is somewhat of an Ultra Marathon fanatic and has completed several events across the UK and further afield; She most recently ran the BTU Desert Ultra in Namibia leaving me in awe of her achievements. Though not quite the dry sand dunes of Namibia I’m sure the highlands will present their own challenges, namely mountains!!! Eliza will be my motivation, trainer and running partner throughout this long slog.

As Eliza and I are both serving members of the military I feel it is my duty to ensure that I support those military veterans who served before us. Whether that be wounded, injured, or sick individuals, our veterans need the support from the British public and amazing charities such as the Poppy Factory to ensure their stability. 

No two journeys into employment are the same, especially for ex-Service men and women who pursue civilian careers after leaving the Forces. The Poppy Factory believes that veterans should love the work they do, but for some people, having a mental or physical health condition can make it tough to find and stay in work. The Poppy Factory’s life-changing support to these veterans is tailored to make sure each person finds the right role to suit their lifestyle and aspirations. Please help me support wounded, injured and sick veterans in finding new jobs that they love and thrive in.

Before I ask you to dive deep into your pockets please can I remind you that I have never run a marathon having only completed perhaps 6 half-marathons and I’m now about to take on 2.5 consecutive marathons over a 3 day period. But, more importantly, remember that your help will not only contribute to the quality of life, well-being and longevity of those ex military personnel but inspire, motivate and give me the mental strength to get through the challenge that lies ahead. 

I thank you for any support that you may be able to give me and this amazing charity. 

Swift and Bold! 

ELIZA AND I HAVE HAD TO POSTPONE THIS EVENT UNTIL A LATER DATE FOR VARIOUS REASONS. WE HOPE YOU CAN ALL UNDERSTAND AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US ON OUR JOURNEY. WE WILL COMPLETE THE RUN AT A LATER DATE WHEN ABLE TO DO SO.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT TO HELP THIS WONDERFUL CHARITY.