**UPDATED**

I ran the London marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025. It was hard work but great to get round the course! My son Thomas also ran the London mini-marathon the day before.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported me as I took on this challenge for such a great cause. We have raised a lot but I would love to raise even more!

After more than a decade of a fairly sedentary lifestyle, I have set myself the challenge of completing my first marathon. As a veteran I am especially proud to be attempting the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The ABF provides vital support to soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need and I think it is important to highlight that the charity supports serving solders and their families, as well as those who have served in the past. They do fantastic work for the Army community and make a real difference. A few illustrative numbers:

* Annual expenditure of over £9m supporting 75,000 members of the Army family.

* The youngest person supported was just one day old, the oldest was 104.

*Funds dispersed to 86 other charities and organisations to support the Army family.

Many thanks for taking the time to learn more about my challenge and the work of the ABF.

I hope you will consider making a donation to support the ABF and we will be very grateful for any donations given!