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Mark Brennan raised £2,600 from 83 supporters
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Closed 27/01/2025
Iʼve raised £2,600 to support two Suffolk based organisations that provide welfare support to armed forces veterans and their families.
- Suffolk, East of England
- Funded on Monday, 27th January 2025
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Story
I set myself the challenge of kayaking the entire coastline and estuaries of Suffolk during 2024 in memory of ex Royal Marine Gregg Packham. Gregg served his country well, but was discharged from the marines suffering with PTSD. Sadly, Gregg never really recovered and passed away in 2023.
While welfare support to veterans and their families is getting better, it is an area that needs more attention. Gregg's story demonstrates just how easy it is for struggling veterans to slip through the net.
I also want to raise some much needed funds for two local groups who directly support armed forces veterans and their families across Suffolk.
The first is the Suffolk RBL County Committee. This committee is made up of volunteers who support the excellent work of the 48 individual RBL branches across the county. The committee have no permanent base and receive no official funding and so monies raised will help to cover their admin costs.
The second is Ipswich based Combat2Coffee who provide safe, non-judgmental places for veterans and ex-uniformed service personnel struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Funds raised will go directly to support the outreach service that they provide.
Thank you for your support
Updates
8
2 months ago
Mark Brennan
2 months ago19 legs from Cattawade on the Essex border to Corton on the Norfolk border. Here's the stats. What a beautiful coast line we have in Suffolk.
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3 months ago
Mark Brennan
3 months agoI am delighted to report that I completed this challenge on Friday when I came out of the water just North of Corton. The weather was misty but the sea was calm, it was a very peaceful paddle. I would like to thank all those who have donated and supported me over the year. Great outcome for the Suffolk RBL and Combat2Coffee and hopefully we raised some awareness about the plight of our veterans along the way. Thank you and best wishes for 2025. Inspired by and in memory of Ex Royal Marine Gregg Packham. We will remember them.
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4 months ago
Mark Brennan
4 months agoOne of the objectives of this challenge was to raise awareness of the plight of veterans who are struggling and thanks to Aby Fossett at the the East Anglian Daily Times, we managed to tell Gregg's story as part of their remembrance coverage. Gregg's photo was actually on the front page, but the full story is on page 22. Thanks again for your continued support.
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Mark Brennan started crowdfunding
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Supporters
83
Anonymous
Jan 15, 2025
Mark Brennan
Jan 3, 2025
Well done
£20.00
Anonymous
Jan 1, 2025
£40.00
Ian Jones
Dec 30, 2024
Well done Mark, as always you give 100% effort
£20.00
Tony D
Dec 25, 2024
Awesome effort Mark for worthy causes
£20.00
DS
Dec 24, 2024
£10.00
Anonymous
Dec 16, 2024
In memory of Gregg. Thank you Mark for this legacy challenge.
£20.00
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Mark Brennan
Suffolk, East of England
A veteran of 29 years service, I consider myself extremely lucky to have enjoyed a fulfilling career and come out of the other side relatively unscathed. However, I know that is not the case for many of my comrades who can find the transition back into civilian life difficult.