Major Stuart Neilson is a friend and colleague to many within 2nd Medical Brigade and the wider Defence Medical Services. Associated with the Army as a Cadet from his teen years and continuing as a Reservist his whole adult life, he has served in Hong Kong, the UK and supported multiple Joint and Combined operations overseas. On 6 Feb 23, Stuart began his day as normal, preparing to dial in to the Monday morning conference call - he did not make the call and was subsequently found collapsed at home in a critical condition. At NHS Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, he was found to have a substantial clot in an artery supplying critical areas of brain function and despite its removal, Stuart had suffered a stroke of extensive proportion. Many uncertain and turbulent weeks have followed where the statistics of recovery are unimaginably low. The stroke has left him quadriplegic, unable to speak or eat and with the further diagnosis of locked-in syndrome. The plan for recovery entirely depends on the challenging business of slow and steady physio, speech therapy, occupational therapy and the bedside vigil and attention of his wife Pauline. Now, six months on, Stuart remains totally aware and fully understanding of his situation. His only form of communication is with the use of his eyes and a letter chart. Despite all of this he can on occasion allow his sense of humour to come through and laugh out loud.

Stuart and I formed part of a 4 person relay team competing in the Bismarck Challenge held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York in 2018. This was 4 x 4 mile relay carrying 15kg. I think Stu would agree that I should only do something similar but a tad harder...

For Stuart, my aim is to cover 75miles throughout September 2023, carrying a 75 pound (34kg) bergen (military rucksack) in order to raise a minimum of £75.

I'd really appreciate all your support for this since I couldn't have made it any harder I think, could I Stu?