Event: Kandahar Airfield Half Marathon, Afghanistan Date: 7th September
I am a Major in the Scots Guards and plan to run a half marathon in Afghanistan for Erskine and for the benefit of young and old ex-Service men and women in their care. Each year Erskine provides specialist permanent and respite nursing care for over 1300 ex-Service men and women at homes throughout Scotland.
The reason for running is that having been thorugh physical rehabilitation myself (admittedly for a training injury) I can only just begin to imagine what it is like for those who suffer serious injury as a result of combat operations. Often the physical injuries, whilst horrific in appearance, are only the tip of the iceberg; the psychological impact goes deeper.
Erskine provides the sort of support and care that soldiers, increasingly young in age, and their families depend upon to continue to lead the sort of life which they deserve as a minimum.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Erskine gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
I have only run a Half Marathon once before and ran ran my first full marathon last year. I am hoping to complete this half marathon in under 1hour 50 mins, it starts at 6am when the temperature is about 25degrees by 7am it will be above 30 and by the time I finish it will be nearly 35 degrees. So the distance is not the only challenge, the heat is as well - not forgetting the dust.
So please, donate as much as you feel is adequate and help support former Scottish Soldiers, young and old, to continue their lives as completely as their injuries and condition allow.
