Every Mile Matters 🧡

On 10th October, STEPWAY volunteer Bren will take on the Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon to raise vital funds for STEPWAY and the Armed Forces Community we support.

This will be Bren’s first ever fundraising run.

He could have started with a 5K.

He didn’t.

He chose an Ultra Marathon.

Because this is no ordinary run, and Bren has a very personal reason for taking it on.

“Every mile Bren runs will represent a step forward for a veteran or family who may need someone beside them.”

The young man behind the challenge

Bren is the son of a veteran and has grown up understanding that military service does not only affect the person who wears the uniform.

It touches partners, children and entire families.

Today, Bren gives his own time as a volunteer with STEPWAY, helping a charity dedicated to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces Community have somewhere to turn when life becomes difficult.

But Bren’s connection goes even deeper.

Running with someone very special in his heart

Bren was also the stepbrother of Rob, the son of STEPWAY CEO Dawn Turner.

Rob served for ten years with the Royal Horse Artillery. He died in August 2025 at just 35 years old.

His death devastated his family and those who loved him.

For STEPWAY, Rob’s story is also a painful reminder of why early support, human connection and simply being there can matter so much.

Rob should be here to watch his stepbrother take on this challenge.

He should be waiting at the finish line.

He should be there to take the mickey out of Bren for voluntarily putting himself through an Ultra Marathon.

He isn’t.

And there are some absences that words will never make easier.

But there will be a little bit of Rob carried through that Forest of Dean with Bren.

Through every difficult mile.

Every aching muscle.

Every moment when his body tells him he has had enough.

And every step that takes him closer to that finish line.

“Bren will be running for STEPWAY, but behind those miles is a lifetime of connection to the Armed Forces Community and one person who should still be here to see him finish.”

Why STEPWAY?

STEPWAY exists to support veterans and their families through the challenges that can come with military and civilian life.

Our work includes welfare and advocacy, mental health and wellbeing support, family services, community activities, veteran drop ins, prison in reach, support for young people, social connection and safe spaces where people can simply walk through the door and know they belong.

We work alongside trusted partners and other specialist services because sometimes people need more than a referral or a telephone number.

Sometimes they need somebody to stay beside them while they find their feet again.

Sometimes support is practical.

Sometimes it is finding the right specialist help.

Sometimes it is sitting down over a brew and listening.

Sometimes it is reminding somebody that they still matter.

You can find out more about STEPWAY and our work at www.stepway.org

What will your donation do?

Every pound raised through Bren’s challenge will help STEPWAY continue supporting members of the Armed Forces Community and their families.

Your donation helps us keep our doors open, deliver support, create safe communities and be there for people who may be facing some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Whether you donate £5, £10, £20 or more, you become part of Bren’s challenge.

And if donating is not possible, sharing this page matters too.

One share can put STEPWAY in front of a veteran or family member who did not know we existed.

That matters.

One young man. One huge challenge. One powerful mission.

An Ultra Marathon will test Bren physically and mentally.

There will undoubtedly be moments when his legs hurt, his feet hurt and the finish line feels impossibly far away.

But Bren will keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Because every mile has a purpose.

For veterans who have served.

For the families who serve alongside them.

For those struggling today.

For those who may need STEPWAY tomorrow.

And with the memory of a stepbrother who cannot be waiting at the finish line, but who will never be forgotten.

Bren is doing the running. Let’s show him that an entire community is running alongside him.

Please donate what you can, share Bren’s story and help us make every single mile matter.

Come on Bren. The whole STEPWAY family is behind you. 🧡