Daniel Pope was a son, a brother, a veteran, a friend, but for Josh, he was his best friend.

In 2016 Airtrooper Daniel Pope was diagnosed with a terminal form of liver cancer. Daniel was an outstanding soldier and a highly career-driven individual who had the aspiration and desire to pursue his perfect career of becoming an army aviation pilot. However, this path was sadly taken away from him.

During this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic and us seeing families' loved ones pass away without a chance to give a sincere farewell, it has brought up old wounds which we have been unable to shake. Our release throughout this period of self-isolation has been to go out and run. 

Dan represented the Army Air Corps for cross country, and for Josh, this was a good way to connect with him and reminisce of the times he would attempt to keep up with Dan (Josh is still slower). For Ben, this has also been a way of coping with the loss of his mother from breast cancer in 2008. They began to run together (socially distanced) after empathising with each others stories and soon realised that running was a way to find peace.

Dans story and strength has inspired us to run in his name. On the 12th August 2020, we will run a marathon in the vicinity of Wattisham Airfield, hoping to raise £2620 for the unsung heroes. With your support, we can achieve this objective and make these amazing individuals seen and heard.

To have a reason, a cause, a need again has given us the drive, determination and dedication to take this challenge head-on.

Thank you for taking this time to read our story.

Josh and Ben

#runfordan 

Instagram - @runfordanpope

Facebook - Run for Dan