So the 9th March 2021 would be our brother Stephen’s 10 year anniversary of being killed in action in Afghanistan serving as a soldier with the Royal Irish Regiment. A lot has changed in those 10 years especially within my family. On discussing the 10 year anniversary with my family and how we would remember Stephen we decided to pick Beyond the Battlefield as a charity to fundraiser for. This last 10 years has certainly affected our own mental health and we have sought help with this. This charity has helped my family members and will continue to do so. This charity helps those suffering from PTSD and related issues -Bereavement, Alcohol / drug abuse, Financial concerns, stress, trauma, self harm and suicide.

COVID put a stop to an actual physical event which I know a lot of you would have taken part in. However as a family we decided what would go hand in hand with Mental Health and how we as a family could take small steps to tackle this issue. So we are doing a ‘Marathon in a month’. My parents, brothers, sisters and spouses will complete 26.2 miles from 9th February to 9th March. This can be done all at once or over the whole month- walking, jogging or running. Even my dad Bobby is doing it!!!  not only has our Mental Health been affected this last 10 years but also our fitness. What better way to reduce stress, get fitter and reduce some of those extra pounds whilst tackling our Mental Health at the same time. 

We will document what we do as we go along reaching the 26.2 miles on or just before 9th March. 

Stephen- we love you and miss you every single day. You have done us all extremely proud and I hope that you are looking down on us and push us all over the next month. You will never be forgotten xx