Really?

Yes.

As anyone who knows me will testify, running isn't exactly "my thing". As a man who has always preferred the steady sound of metal being picked up and put down again whilst the gym's heating blows a comfortable 21°C, to the relentless slap of trainer on tarmac as rain and wind combine to remind you that you should have worn long-sleeves, this is a big deal.

Having put off doing it properly for most of my adult life to date, I have decided that 2026 is the year I finally step outside my comfort zone and into the pair of running shoes gathering dust in the cupboard. It is also a fantastic time to support and raise money for a Charity close to my heart.

So on Sunday 26 April 2026 I'll be running the London Marathon, with the aim of completing it in a timely 3hrs 30mins. As I say, I'm not just doing it for me either, I'll be running in aid of Forces Employment Charity as part of #TeamFEC, and I need your support for this most worthy of causes...

The Cause.

Having spent 10-years in the Army prior to leaving in 2022, I know first-hand just how hard it can be to make the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Even with the far-reaching skillset and experience gained from time spent in the Armed Forces, convincing prospective employers that I was the right fit was a real challenge, and I was knocked back more times than I can count.

Fortunately, I was supported throughout the transition by the Forces Employment Charity. They were always there to offer support and guidance as I navigated the complexities of the civilian job market; offering advice on prospective career choices and roles, helping translate my experience with the Army to a language the civilian world understood, facilitating introductions and in the end helping me find fulfilling employment.

Unfortunately, there are too many Service leavers who aren't so lucky, and for whom the transition from military life into a civilian career can become an insurmountable challange. This can lead to unfulfilling employment, a loss of confidence, feelings of loneliness and more, whilst ultimately impacting their families as well.

Forces Employment Charity exisits to prevent this, providing life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities and training to Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving.

Their support made a genuine difference to me, and I know it continues to do so for others. This is why I am incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon on their behalf. Any donation you are able to offer means a huge amount, and will go a long way to ensuring the Charity can continue their outstanding work well into the future.

Thank you!

It honestly means a lot.