Susan Payne
Susan Payne's Fundraising Page
Fundraising for Army Benevolent Fund
Story
Dear Friends,
This year, I have decided to run the London Marathon for the Army Benevolent Fund after attending a dinner in July, 2007 marking the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. I was fortunate to sit at Margaret Thatcher's table, and, during the evening, met several decorated soldiers who had fought in the Falklands and elsewhere, and who are still involved in military affairs in this country. The experience made a lasting impact, in particular because of the dedication and bravery shown by the men and women of the armed services.
As you may have read and heard, the armed forces are now not sufficiently well-supported in any way by the politicians who make increasing calls on their bravery and patriotism, with regard to, for example, the equipment with which they are sent to fight and the support they receive on their return to the UK after active duty. Charities like the ABF necessarily exist to fill a glaring gap. Specifically, the Army Benevolent Fund offers financial and practical assistance to serving and former personnel and their families, providing support for those with disabilities and mental illness. This group includes those that have been made homeless and those unemployed after their service.
I have run for many causes in the past - and this one, for the sacrifices made by so many, is as important as any other, in particular for the devastation combat causes to many veterans and their families if and when they return to civilian life.
I started my training campaign on February 17th with a Help for Heroes 10 km run in Aldershot, and subsequently completed the very hilly, cross-country Steyning, West Sussex half marathon on March 2nd. My final race was a 21 miler in Cranleigh, in which I finished in 3:04. I continue to train 5 or 6 times a week, and aim to finish the marathon in sub-4 hours.
Please support the Armed Services through my run this year on April 13th. My goal is to raise GBP 5,000.
With warm regards and great thanks,
Susan