We are on the approach to the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, and I wanted to push myself further than I ever have before, whilst remembering those who we lost four decades ago. I have been running for many years now, which has not only helped me with my own mental struggles but has given me such a reward of achieving something I never thought possible. Running gives me a routine, it gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and it gives me a sense of purpose. 

To mix my passion with my desire to remember those fallen 40 years ago, I have decided to run a total of 258 miles over a number of days at the end of May. There were 255 Members of the Task Force and 3 Falkland Islanders killed during the conflict, making a total of 258 British lives lost.As a veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Bosnia, it’s important for me to give back and remember those who we have lost from all wars . It sounds impossible, but with the right frame of mind (and plenty of training), anything is possible. 

I will be raising money for The Not Forgotten which has been proudly supporting our Armed Forces since 1920, providing events for wounded serving personnel and disabled veterans which improve physical and mental health, address isolation and loneliness, and
promote a sense of community and balance. 

10% of funds raised will also go towards the Royal Hospital Charity. 

I have planned this with my good friend, Bob Darby, whom I met a couple of years ago at a veterans event. Bob is a veteran of the Falklands Campaign having served with 3rd Bn The Parachute Regiment. An avid supporter of fundraising for The Not Forgotten he took veterans down south in 2018. He is providing logistical and moral support for me in my endeavour.

There will be opportunities to join me on my challenge, to run a mile with me or to stop for a chat along the route. I want to meet as many veterans, or families of those who fell during the conflict, to hear your stories and to raise the importance of talking about mental health and war. You can also follow me on my training journey here:

https://www.facebook.com/Rachels-258-miles-for-Falklands-40-110282721592733