Welcome to the Iron Man Run

I have secured a place on this year's Great North Run - September 19th

I NEED YOUR HELP URGENTLY NOW TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE BATTLEFIELDS TRUST.  

To make it a worthwhile challenge I decided to try and raise a little dosh for the Battlefields Trust. So to make it relevant and more intersting I have decided to run the race in a suit of armour! The Trust is a Heritage charity working to preserve, conserve and promote British battlesites. Theses sites are the crucible of our island history where brave warriors fought heroically with great skill and courage in support of their beliefs and loyalty to a cause; for their king, their religion, their rights as they saw them. With history rapidly diasappearing from the school curriculum it is more important than ever to be reminded of how we achieved today's democratic society and these battlefields are a signifcant part of that historic tapestry.So a suit of armour seemed the best way to highlight our aims and objectives.

Modern Warriors

In recognition of the modern warrior we are going to give 25% of all we raise to Combat Stress in recognition of the debt we owe the military of today, who are stiill fighting on our behalf and deserve our support and thanks.

The Armour

This is a complete and fully authentic replica suit of C15th English armour. It is (ironically) made in Italy - but faithfully authentic in every detail from the iron gloves to the foot covers, from the visor to the knee joints. It weighs all of 20 kilos.

However it moves surprisingly gracefully although it is also authentically hot when on and fairly claustrphobic. 

The smart ones amongst you will notice in photo 2 at the 1403 Heritage Day at Sshrewsbury that there is something odd about the way I am wearing my armour?!!

Why battlefields matter

Nearly everyone in the UK lives within half an hour’s drive of a battlefield. Some, like Hastings (1066), Shrewsbury (1403), Naesby (1645) and Culloden (1746), are familiar to most of us. Others are relatively unknown like Ethandun (878), Mortimer's Cross ((1461), Winceby (1643) or even Fishguard (1797) but are all worth a visit. These and other battles all played their part in shaping the way that we live today.

We campaign both locally and nationally to defend Britain’s battlefields from inappropriate development or even destruction. We work hard to make the most of their educational and recreational potential. Our members have helped set up information boards at sites across the country, prepared battlefield trails for you to follow, take guided walks, run workshops and seminars and attend vital Planning Enquiries to defend these sites.

Summary

So a slightly mad nearly 60 year old is going to try and complete the Great North Run in a suit of armour in return for your support. You can donate just because you think the Trust is a worthwhile cause. You can donate on the number of miles completed (it is a1/2 Marathon course - 13.5 miles) or on full completion of the course. This might take some hours  - age and armour combination - but rest asured I will give it my very best. I'm already well into training and the first outing in the armour takes place at the annual Anniversary of the Battle of Shrewsbury at the Battlefield Centre there, on  the wekend of the 24-25th July. You are welcome to come along. It is a great Centre - museum, restaurant, farm shop and things will be going on all weekend; re-enactments etc.

Our target at this stage is a modest £4000 - only 100 people donating £40 or 4000 people donating £1.00 - but every penny helps whatever you fell willing to give. 

If you want to contact me direct james.parker@market-interface.com or mobile 07971 507711

Meanwhile

donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.