Stephen will be put through his paces to raise money for Scotland ’s veterans
An ex-Territorial Army soldier will don a Bergen and military kit in a bid to complete the Great Scottish Run half marathon in aid of Scottish veterans.
Stephen Dunn, 37, has set himself the gruelling challenge of carrying a 55lb pack for the duration of the 13-mile course as he attempts to raise funds for the veterans’ charity Erskine on Sunday 4th September.
This is the second time that Stephen has undertaken the challenge which was inspired from his Service in the early 90s with the 15th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Scottish Volunteers). As part of one of the toughest selection processes in the Armed Forces, new recruits are required to run and march for 10 miles carrying a 35lb pack, water and their personal weapon in under 2 hours.
In 2009, Stephen managed to complete the run in 2hr 51mins and raised £525 for Erskine which provides care for more than 1,370 veterans each year.
Stephen, from Maryhill in Glasgow , is keen to repeat his success and raise awareness and funds for the charity which cared for his Uncle John at its home in Anniesland.
Stephen said: “I know all about the great work Erskine does for ex-service men and woman as my uncle was a resident in the Erskine Glasgow Home until he peacefully passed away last summer. By visiting him I could see the level of care and attention he and the other residents were receiving and knew this was a charity I had to do something for. In 2009 I decided to take part in the Great Scottish Run, but thought I needed to do something a bit quirky to raise awareness. I have decided to do the same thing again this year. Not being as fit as I used to be, I doubt I’ll average the gruesome pace of 11:30 per mile, but it will be best effort all the way.”
Alan Moss, Erskine fundraiser, said: “Thank you very much to Stephen for taking on this amazing challenge for Erskine. Stephen is an inspiration for taking on this challenge and raising vital funds for the veterans in our care. Please sponsor him as much as you can as your support is vital in helping us raise the £8 million each year we need to raise to provide the standard of care our veterans so richly deserve.”
To support Stephen in his challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/RememberingOurHeroes.
To book your place on Team Erskine at the Great Scottish Run call 0141 814 4555 or email fundraising@erskine.org.uk.
|
