I ran my first ultra marathon in 2018: the MDS. I would like to say it was enjoyable, however it was far from it; after being injured the morning of day two and from then on it was just a ‘simple’ case of one foot in front of the other to finish.

Here I am once again just about to embark on my second ultra marathon, this time a different continent - but the reason is the same. On the 25th of September 2022 . The Atacama Crossing is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the incredible Atacama Desert of Chile. Through the seven days, competitors traverse through salt flats, massive sand dunes, icy cold slot canyons, river crossings, and experience starry nights while in the foothills of the Andes mountains as they complete the 250-kilometer / 155-mile course. The race goes through the Salar de Atacama, Moon Valley and Valle de la Muerte, and finally ends in the Town Square of the adobe-like village of San Pedro de Atacama.

There have been many times over the past nine months of training when I have asked myself at the age of 54: why? What motivates us? What inspires us to do what we do? I still ask myself these questions. The pandemic changed a lot of people - changed their habits, routines and how we go about doing things. It changed how we communicate with one another and reflect, however these new problems have not replaced the old ones, just added too. People are still suffering with the personal battles - whether that is PTSD or loss - it has only been compounded with the recent events.

This latest challenge is not just about raising money and awareness and my own well-being but about finding a way to encourage others to look and move forwards . I would like to raise money once more for three charities that I have a personal attachment to and that also do amazing work.

Veterans and serving military and emergency services Personnel have a huge sense of camaraderie; a sense of purpose; a sense of belonging and a sense of achievement which is very much part and parcel of their personal and professional existence.

PTSD - Progress through scuba diving

Isa small dedicated charity exploiting a discovery that scuba diving can help reduce or even rid PTSD sufferers of their crippling symptoms. We raise funds to fly and then accommodate UK combat Veterans in the Bahamas utilizing Deans Blue Hole on Long Island to complete the dives. The success rate so far according to the visitors is 100% and an independently scored mental health survey appears to back this up. It has been noted that individuals visiting, diving and then returning home have maintained symptom free lives and all say they are enjoying life like never before.

Research is ongoing but a study completed by the John Hopkins University has indicated that there are positive benefits to PTSD symptoms after scuba diving in warm, clear waters. Full details can be read here  Scuba Diving Improves Function of Body, Mind in Vets in addition, we have anecdotal evidence that demonstrates our dives are having a positive effect on all those who have taken part, so far.

https://www.ptsdscuba.co.uk

Scotty’s Little Soldiers

At Scotty's, they aim to provide relief from the effects of grief for bereaved military children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served with the British Armed Forces.

The charity provides its beneficiaries with support and guidance throughout their childhood and offers a respite, however brief, from the daily ups and downs of coping with the loss of a parent.

Assistance is available to families from the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF and includes both Regular and Reserve forces.

Please help make a child smile!

https://www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

Pilgrims Bandits

The mantra ‘Always a Little Further’ is core to the charity’s attitude, whether working with injured men and women from the Military or Emergency Services directly or by utilising their experiences to inspire and encourage young people and children. Pilgrim Bandits don’t do sympathy, but offer the rewards of belonging to a team, encouragement, belief and the power of humour over pain.

Bandits’ primary aim is to help those in need directly, with no compromise.

Soon, those who needed help become those that give it. By pushing injured men and women into physically and mentally demanding situations that they would not have dreamed possible; kayaking extraordinary distances, jumping from aircraft, running races, trekking across inhospitable terrain, self confidence is restored and self-belief instilled – Always a Little Further. Pilgrim Bandits pushes those that have already endured so much to go beyond endurance – to embrace life again and in so doing inspire others.

https://www.pilgrimbandits.org