My inspiration is unfortunately a sad one - I lost my good friend and close running partner a few years back. We had planned a list of races together. The Dragon's Back Race - across the mountains of Wales, from North to South  - was our ultimate ambition.

Over 6 days, from the 5th September, I'll be running from Conway Castle to Cardiff Castle – a total of 380 km and an assent of 17,400 meters. I'm fundraising for The Scar Free Foundation. I've no doubt that my mate - if he were here today - would join me on the start line to support this incredible charity.

Because I've been part of the scar free community for many years, it was a no brainer to raise money for them. I'm an Ambassador and a Research Partner with the CASEVAC Club. And I'm proud to get involved whenever I can. The work The Scar Free Foundation is doing  will change the world. With your help, we can achieve scar free healing within a generation.

Running has been part of my recovery

Back in 2005, when I was 18 years-old, I was serving as a soldier in the Iraq War and survived 37% burns to my body. A petrol bomb was thrown into the tank I was patrolling in - drenching me in burning petrol. For 10 days, I was in an induced coma. When I woke up, I was faced with life-changing injuries to my body. My recovery included 25 operations over 5 years. And I still have treatment to this day.

For me, it's been the physical impact of scarring which has caused me the most long-term pain. Running has been a way to push myself – despite the challenges that living with scarring causes. My ultimate challenge is having a young family and working full time - rotating day and night shifts. My family are a great support. Luckily, I sometimes have rest days when everyone else is at work or school. On those days, I drop-off my son at school and go running, until it’s time to pick him up. 

With the Dragon's Back Race, I'll push myself to the limit to help people with scarring.

There's so much distance and climbing to do each day in the Dragon's Back Race with strict cut-off times. It will really push my abilities. Even achieving last place at the finish would be a huge accomplishment for me. With your support - along with my friends, family and The Scar Free Foundation -  I'll push myself to the limit - knowing the reason why I'm doing it, is to help the millions of people living with the physical and psychological impact of scarring injuries. And to help future generations.

Please do reach into your pocket and sponsor me on my gruelling ultra-marathon. 

Join me in my race. Your generosity will accelerate research and advance treatments for veterans seriously scarred in recent conflicts. You'll also help civilians that are living with severe impact of scarring. 

Thank you for supporting me and helping us make a world without scarring a reality.

Karl.