The Army Benevolent Fund ('The Soldiers' Charity') has been providing lifetime support for serving and retired soldiers and their families since 1944. After almost 10 years of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Charity is experiencing a sharp increase in requests from soldiers, former soldiers and their dependents for help. The numbers are quite staggering: 1800 British soldiers have been Wounded in Action in Afghanistan alone; 760 soldiers have been seriously, or very seriously wounded, in Iraq & Afghanistan; the 'Soldiers' Charity' is currently helping over 4000 people a year.

What am I doing and why?

This is my mate Andy Reid - http://www.soldierscharity.org/how-we-help/andy-reid/ - We served together in the infantry in Northern Ireland back in late 1990s. Just over 2 years ago Andy was severly wounded on patrol in Afghanistan, losing 3 limbs after stepping on an IED. Over the last two years it has been a humbling experience to watch Andy fight back from his injuries, walk again, get married and now live a thoroughly normal life. Whilst much of this was due to the strong character of the man himself, it is clear to me just how charities like the ABF / Soldiers Charity provide an absolutely essential role in supporting injured soldiers and their families not just through their immediate darkest hours, but throughout their lives.

So I'm pulling on my trainers and running the London Marathon for the ABF / 'Soldiers' Charity' on 22nd April 2012 - I don't have a target, I'm just going to try to raise as much money as I can and urge you to donate as much as possible.

British soldiers risk their lives every day, in unpleasant and dangerous surroundings, to protect the the freedoms and way of life that we take for granted - Give a little bit back by supporting a charity that provides for soldiers, ex-soldiers and their dependents in their hour of need.

To read more about the work of the ABF / 'Soldier's charity' see the following link:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSuAfTQbHyE&feature=player_embedded

Adam