Marathon effort for former squaddie
A FORMER squaddie has pushed himself to the limit in a bid to raise vital funds for his fellow veterans.
Mark Hendry, of Lybster, who served as an infantry signaller with the Queen’s Own Highlanders for four years, wanted to boost the work and funds of the veterans’ charity Erskine by running the Inverness Half Marathon and Lochaber Marathon.
He has supported the charity since 2006 when he became secretary and treasurer of the Latheron RBLS branch.
Mark has already raised funds for Erskine through various cycling and running challenges, but once again wanted to put his best
foot forward and help veterans across
Scotland.
The 44-year-old completed the Inverness Half Marathon in March with a personal best time of 1 hr 56 mins. He followed up his success by running the Lochaber Marathon on April 15 in 4 hrs 39 mins. His efforts have raised £485 for the charity.
Mark said: "I first heard about Erskine when I took over as Latheron RBLS branch secretary and treasurer in 2006, as our small
branch has always been a keen supporter of the charity.
"This was when I first read the newsletters and about the work Erskine does for Scottish ex-service personnel of both past and current conflicts.
"I have raised funds for Erskine from cycling, running half marathons and this year so far have run the Inverness Half Marathon and Lochaber Marathon.
"Although it is hard to get out there and train on a cold, dark, wet morning when most people are sensibly tucked up in bed, and the discomfort for a few days afterwards, this is nothing when you think and see what happens to the men and women of our armed forces and all they have given up for our country.
"The words of ‘they gave their today for our tomorrow’ should never be forgotten and as long as charities like Erskine are around we will do what we can to help support them."
Catherine Cowie, Erskine’s North of Scotland fundraiser, praised Mark’s efforts.
She said: "Mark’s dedication to raising
funds for his fellow veterans has shown no bounds.
"His tremendous support of Erskine has been unwavering and we are delighted that he has taken on these running challenges to raise vital funds towards the care of ex-service men and women across Scotland."
To find out more about Erskine, log on to www.erskine.org.uk