Soldier set to tackle gruelling cross country challenge for charity

Martin Wilson, 37, will tackle the three day event in October which will see him run the equivalent to three marathons over rough cross country terrain.

The Corporal from Wilton started tackling obstacle courses last year and it has fuelled his passion for running. He now plans to take on the tough challenge for Blind Veterans UK, who support ex-servicemen suffering from sight loss, after seeing work done by the charity first hand.

Blind Veterans UK was founded in 1915 and the charity’s initial purpose was to help and support soldiers blinded in the First World War. But the organisation has gone on to support more than 35,000 blind veterans and their families.

It provides free training, rehabilitation, equipment and emotional support to veterans no matter when they served or how they lost their sight.

Martin said: “My wife’s granddad was supported by the charity but I never connected the dots on who they were and what they did until recently. I’ve seen first-hand the support they give to veterans who have lost their sight and it makes a world of difference.

“Any support that we can give them they greatly appreciate and I am planning to try my hardest at raising as much money as possible.”

Martin has already started training for the Atlantic Coast Challenge, which he will be running with 15kg backpack.

Martin added: “My first obstacle course race was last June and I got covered in mud from head to toe. I loved it. I’ve now done 23 obstacle course races.

“I think those events inspired to push myself a little harder and see if I can take on a trail run marathon distance for three days straight. It’s going to be hard but it’s for such a worthy charity I will give it my all.”

The Atlantic Coast Challenge is a three day running event starting which takes runners along the Cornish coast. Runners start in Padstow and take on 78.6 miles over three days finishing in Land’s End.

To support Martin visit justgiving.com/Martin-WilsonBVuk.