A local runner is planning to run a 50 mile ultra marathon across the Brecon Beacons for a specialist mental health charity for armed forces veterans.
Tom Hill is hoping to raise £1,600 for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity supporting veterans affected by anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“The challenge, TrekFest, is run by Global Adventure Challenges and involves running 50km in the Brecon Beacons national park including ascents up to Pen y Fan, Corn Du and Fan y Big,” explained Tom. “The route has a total ascent of 779 metres.
“Why run a trekking event I hear you ask? Well I wanted to push myself and no matter what struggles I may come across on the run, the people I am raising money for have to deal with far greater demons on a daily basis.
“Training during the corona virus outbreak has been quite difficult. From the outset I followed the Government’s advice of only running for up to an hour that is what I stuck to.
“I stopped running on local trails as there is a greater risk of injury. Our incredible frontline workers in the NHS are under enough strain as it is without people taking unnecessary risks.
“Now they have said we can exercise as much as we like I have increased my mileage again but maintaining social distancing. I find myself dodging a lot of people but am being careful and avoiding running near people.
“I wanted to run an event for combat stress as it is a charity that I feel very passionate about. I have never served in the forces but I know people who have and I have seen the profound affect it has had on them; some won’t talk about what they have seen or had to do because it has scarred them so deeply and they did this to protect us.
“As far back as you look the armed forces have been putting their lives at risk to look after us and when they leave the forces for whatever reason they are given very little help (some is available but not enough). A lot are forgotten about and don’t know how to readjust or how to cope with civilian life.
“I knew a man I won’t name as he didn’t like to talk about what happened to him; but the things they see in war are horrific. I also know families that have had a son take his own life because of what he witnessed whilst in Iraq; he didn’t know where to turn when he was discharged on medical grounds and because of it he took his own life.
“Charities like Combat Stress are angels in disguise; they dedicate their time to make sure our service men and women have mental support and if me running across the Brecon Beacons can go some way to helping them then I am more than happy to help those who have risked and given so much for us. Our heroes need our help!
“People can find all the information they need about Combat Stress on their website, and if you are an ex servicemen or a current servicemen and are struggling with your mental health, I urge you to reach out, they are there for you and are brilliant at what they do; please don’t suffer in silence. Click HERE
I am hoping to raise £1,600 for them; fundraising is hard going at this current time but anything that people can give will go a long way to help; please don’t forget to Gift Aid it.
“People can donate on my just giving page –
“I am also on Instagram @runforjoy13 if anyone wants to follow me to keep track of how my training is going.”
