PC Caswell on 40-mile-a-day mega marathon for veterans

Our Armed Forces Lead PC Scott Caswell has just embarked on five days of 40-mile marathons to raise money for Veterans Aid and Veterans Contact Point.

Scott started in Derby on Monday, and is running 40 miles each day (on top of some additional cycling) until he finishes at the historic Royal Navy dockyards in Portsmouth on 9 May.

Notable stops on his way will include 10 Downing Street and the Chelsea Pensioners in London.

He is running with the support of the British Army, who will be providing places to stop and rest along the route, as well as Veterans Aid who have provided his running clothing, and Veterans Contact Point who have sorted out his food, support vehicle, and admin work.

Anyone looking to donate to the cause can do so through his GiveWheel page: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/9371/run-with-purpose-for-mental-health/

Asked, in no uncertain terms, “what were you thinking?”, PC Caswell said:

“It all came from chatting with some other veterans about what mad challenge I would have a go at for this year –

“It started as a silly idea that escalated very quickly, next thing I know I’ve pledged myself to do it!”

Scott said that part of the inspiration for such a gruelling run came from his aims to raise awareness for mental health, saying:

“I’ve had a few close friends, other veterans, who have really been struggling this year, and I wanted to do what I can to draw attention to the mental wellbeing of veterans.

“The hardest part of this challenge will be picking myself back up and carrying on with it every day, and that’s an internal battle first and foremost – the mind often gives out long before the body does.

“It’s about knowing that no matter how bad things get, you need to keep going, and that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”