Sign in Subscribe
Charities

Ilkley Soldier to Run London Marathon for Military Charity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Marco Turnbull, a 19-year-old Royal Engineer, will tackle the London Marathon on April 23 to raise £2,000 for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSFA). This charity has been providing lifelong support to British military personnel and their families since 1885. Marco's decision to run for SSFA is deeply personal, as he comes from an Army family and has seen firsthand the impact of PTSD and trauma sustained in service.

Marco, who joined the Royal Engineer Regiment last year, has set himself a challenging task, but he is determined to succeed. Despite not being a natural-born runner, he has been training during working hours and has come up with creative ways to raise funds for the charity, including a cute pet competition on Instagram and washing cars at work. His brothers are even taking bets on where he will be sick during the race, dubbing it "The Green Mile."

Key Takeaways:

  • Marco Turnbull, a 19-year-old Royal Engineer, will run the London Marathon on April 23 to raise £2,000 for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSFA).
  • The SSFA is a charity that provides lifelong support to British military personnel and their families, founded in 1885.
  • Marco's decision to run for SSFA is motivated by his personal experience of growing up in an Army family and witnessing the impact of PTSD and trauma sustained in service.
  • Marco is not a natural-born runner but has been training during working hours and has come up with innovative ways to raise funds for the charity.
  • The charity's support services are crucial for military personnel and their families, and Marco hopes to raise awareness and funds for this vital cause.
  • Marco's training has been supported by his employers, who allow him time to maintain fitness levels, and his family members, particularly his brothers, who are helping to raise funds.

Statistics:

  • £2,000: the target amount Marco is aiming to raise for the SSFA through the London Marathon.
  • 1885: the year the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSFA) was founded.
  • 19: Marco's age.
  • 26 miles: the distance of the London Marathon course.
  • April 23: the date of the London Marathon.

Sources:

  • Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSFA)

Read more