Minister encourages veterans to run for it

25 April 2023

On Friday 21 April, the Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, attended a kit presentation to a group of Army veterans who are running an ultra-marathon for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

On 20 May, twenty-five veterans will be taking on the gruelling 110km ultra-marathon across the volcanic island of São Miguel in the Azores, to be completed in two days. Members of the team have done a combined 70 operational tours in war zones including Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, said: “I am proud to be presenting kit to those taking part in the Azores Ultra Marathon next month. These men have served their country and now are going on to support a great cause. It is inspiring to meet them.

“SSAFA is a charity which helps service people, veterans, and their families in their times of need, so it is wonderful that this team is supporting them by raising much-needed funds.”

The team includes veterans from their 20's to 70's, some of whom were shot or blown up on operations. They all share a willingness to push themselves to the limit by taking on this epic challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for their fellow veterans in need.

The kit presentation took place at the majestic Royal Hospital Chelsea. The attending runners received their kit from SSAFA’s National Chairman, Lieutenant General (retd) Sir Gary Coward KBE CB, the Rt Hon Johnny Mercer, and veteran Karl Hinett, who was severely injured in Iraq and has gone on to become an ultra-marathon legend.

Richard French, SSAFA South East Regional Fundraising Officer and event organiser said: “We are so lucky to have such a great pre-event get-together. Some of us know each other of old, but some participants don’t know anyone, so it is great for teambuilding. The event isn’t a race, it’s an achievement. The heat and the elevations make it a real challenge and we are doing this as a team. We can’t wait to get out there!”