Hi everyone,

This year, my partner Mitchell and I are taking on our very first marathon—the Loch Ness Marathon—to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity, a cause that means a lot to both of us.

I recently left the Royal Navy after serving as an engineer. During my final six months, I had the opportunity to work alongside the marines as their engineer, and that experience had a huge impact on me. At the time, I wasn’t in the best place mentally, but being around the Marines—their values, mindset, and way of working—really helped me turn things around. I was also extremely lucky to be part of an amazing small team of fellow Royal Navy engineers at the Boat Shed, who supported me every step of the way. Between them and the Marines, I was reminded of the importance of mental strength, resilience, and having a supportive team around you. I learned a lot—and I left with a huge amount of respect for the people I worked with and what they stand for.

Mitchell is still serving in the Royal Navy and is currently in between deployments. Like me, he’s seen first-hand how important mental health support is in the military, and why charities like RMA are so vital for people during and after service.

Mental health and resilience are so important, especially in the forces. Not everyone talks about the difficult side of life in service, but the truth is, a lot of people struggle. That’s why we want to raise awareness and support a charity that’s making a real difference for people who’ve given so much.

This marathon is a big challenge for both of us—it’s completely new territory—but we’re excited (and nervous!) to take it on. Long-term, we’ve got our sights set on a half Ironman, and hopefully a full Ironman one day.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just cheer us on, we’d be massively grateful. Every bit of support means a lot—not just to us, but to the people this charity helps every day.

Thanks for reading and being part of the journey.

"The legacy of those who served is carried forward by those who remember and act.”

In 2025, we honour 80 years since VE & VJ Day, and we celebrate the bravery of the Royal Marines and all who served during WWII.