Damian's story;
In December, I will face my toughest challenge yet when I row across the Atlantic Ocean for Claire House Children’s Hospice. As part of a 12-person crew, I’ll leave Tenerife and arrive in the Caribbean approximately 44 days and 3,000 nautical miles later to support my local children’s hospice. Claire House helps seriously and terminally ill children and their families make the most of the time they have, however long or short that may be. By providing specialist nursing and end-of-life care, as well as emotional support, Claire House helps families through some of the toughest times of their lives.  

Having left school at 16, and told that I wouldn’t amount to much, I joined the army. That exposure to physical and mental challenge inspired me to help those suffering through adventure and public service. Over the past 20 years, I have run marathons, driven across the scorching Sahara desert and climbed mountains to support charities close to my heart. Previously, I have supported Combat Stress, a UK charity helping veterans with mental health problems and psychological trauma, and Cancer Research after a close family member was treated for Stage 4 breast cancer. After leaving the army, I worked in the transport and building industry, then retrained as a mental health nurse 15 years ago. As a CAMHS nurse, I work with children and families with complex and enduring psychological problems, many of whom have experienced severe illness, trauma, and adverse life conditions, leaving them in need.
Many of the  children and families at Claire House experience heartache through illness and loss. Witnessing these experiences and working alongside similar situations inspired me to help. Despite having suffered with arthritis and chronic pain since my early thirties, I keep going, raising money and awareness through endurance events, committed to the last step.

Thanks for donating!

For more information visit:
www.clairehouse.org.uk
www.rannochadventure.com