Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am Simon Maryan, a former Royal Marine & Human Intelligence Specialist and 3 years ago I cofounded Icarus, a veteran and uniformed services mental health charity which has grown exponentially since inception in Dec 2017. It was difficult to raise money  prior to COVID and it is an even greater challenge now.

I have struggled with my own mental health over the years and I know first hand how important it is to have fast, simple access to treatment when you need it, which is why we set up Icarus.

My aim is to raise £350k for these amazing charities to enable them to continue with the vital work they do in supporting UK veterans and uniformed services. As a former Royal Marine this is something very close to my heart and it is my way of giving something back to those who give everything to protect us.

I have been in the unusual position of being kidnapped 3 times and been involved in several other events where others were kidnapped. I have also negotiated the release of hostages which gives me a unique insight into the experience from both sides of the fence.

Every day our countries uniformed services are put into harms way and they do this willingly. The support for them is often not there as fully as is needed particularly in terms of speed of access to treatment.

This leaves people at the mercy of their minds and they are essentially held hostage by their psychological and emotional state, and when they do not have the tools to help themselves while they wait for treatment, this can be a very slippery slope.

This challenge is my way of raising money to fund charities that I know and work with who do provide really fast access to practical support and psychological treatment.

I don't believe that people who put themselves on the line everyday to protect and keep us safe should be left unaided in their hour of need.

This Endurance  Challenge will run officially from 8th April- 12th May 2021

I aim to raise a minimum of £350k for Icarus and the  charities that Icarus works closely with regularly, these are: 

• The Veterans Foundation
  
• The Veterans Charity
  
• Helping Homeless Veterans-UK
  
• Help a Squaddie

I want this to be as inclusive as possible for all abilities so there are a variety of ways you can take part.

• 35 miles a day for 35 days - solo
  
• 35 miles a day for 35 days - relay team e.g. 7 person team, 5    miles each
  
• 3.5 miles a day for 35 days - good for families and younger kids etc
  
• 3.5 km a day for 35 days - good for families and younger kids etc
  

This can be completed on foot or bike, whatever your preference and capability.