My Story

Welcome to my fund-raising page in support of this amazing charity and the Ski Marathon challenge over the French Alps in Jan 25. I am a serving Officer in the British Army who would think nothing about doing a triple marathon in the past (if there was a bacon butty before the start and a bottle of red wine at the finish). However, my health, which, being a soldier, I took for granted, took an unexpected turn in 2018 when I started to experience several symptoms, including memory loss and difficulty walking. I was admitted to a specialist neurological ward in hospital for three months and was diagnosed with a rare condition (less than 20 cases per million people) called Neurosarcoidosis. Like MS, it is a disease of the central nervous system, which encompasses the brain and spinal cord, the damage disrupts the normal flow of messages (nerve impulses) from the central nervous system, causing a reduction or loss of body function.

Why am I raising funds for AFPST?

It is difficult to quantify the amazing work the charity archives supporting injured veterans and serving personnel on their recovery journey, surrounded by like-minded individuals, set against the adversity and challenges of winter sports, the comradeship, humour, and sense of achievement is a wonder drug. The charity has been an intrinsic part of my recovery journey as I have fought to get my condition under control. After leaving hospital, being in a wheelchair for six months, intense physiotherapy and drug therapy, I completed the Swiss Ski Marathon with the charity in Jan 2020 on a sit ski using only my arms to get around the course. In Jan 2023 after more personal training, I conducted a week of skiing in Bavaria, this time stood up, and now in Jan 2025, I will be attempting a Ski Marathon in the classic technique. So, the charity has helped me achieve and mark some significant milestones on my personal journey, all of which, would not be possible without the generous donations to the charity, no matter how small, every penny helps! I thank you very much for reading and hopefully donating.

Rob.

What is this endeavour?

I will be completing the 30km classic Ski Marathon https://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/en/fiches/international-marathon-of-bessans-mib-544869/

The AFPST 5 Challenge Europe Series Fundraiser is an initiative taking place from December 2024 to September 2025, where AFSPT Athletes and Staff will engage in a series of 5 challenging events across Europe.

The challenges include a 182km trek in Costica with an elevation gain of 10,500 meters, the equivalent of summiting Mount Everest three times. In France, participants will tackle a 30km Ski Marathon to demonstrate their endurance and skills on the slopes. The challenging terrain of Spain will see the team embark on a trek from sea to summit, conquering the highest mountain in Spain over 3 days, covering 82km with a 5000m ascent. Sweden will host an extraordinary 24-hour Skiathlon where participants will push themselves to ski non-stop for an entire day. Finally, the team will cycle the NC500 in Scotland within 5 days, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Scottish countryside while continuing their fundraising efforts.