RAF Marham comrades back King's Lynn charity
They'll be running 410miles in six months
Last updated 7th Feb 2021
RAF comrades, Acting Corporal Aaron Austen (38) and SAC Brad Jackson (18), have set themselves the arduous task of running 410 miles over the next six months to raise much needed funds to help support hundreds of bereaved Armed Forces children across the country.
The pair, who are based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, will share the miles between them while raising as much money as they can for national bereaved Armed Forces children's charity, Scotty's Little Soldiers.
The charity, which was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott, offers integral support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009 had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
Working the challenge around their busy work schedules, the guys hope to inspire others during the current lockdown to keep active and support their well-being, as well as helping a worthy cause that means a lot to the Armed Forces community.
Aaron, who kick-started the challenge at the beginning of January, knows how important Scotty's work is. As a father, Aaron instantly felt a connection to the charity, and wanted to do what he could to help raise vital funds at a difficult time.
Commenting on the challenge Aaron said:
"I first heard about Scotty's Little Soldiers on the radio, I did a bit of research and discovered what an incredible charity they are. Having served in the RAF for many years, and having been to Afghanistan, I've seen for myself the impact losing a loved one has on a family, particularly the children. My daughter is nine years old, so I understand how important a charity like Scotty's is to the military community.
"I originally decided to take on the 410-mile challenge to help keep both mentally and physically focussed during lockdown. During the first lockdown last year I set myself a mini challenge of completing 80km running in 8 days in support of the RAF Museum Cosford. To some, this may have been a "Walk in the Park"; to a person who had never been a lover of running this was an achievement which I was proud of. By completing this challenge, I found a new love for running and it really helped improve my mental and physical focus."
Keeping Aaron motivated along the way is his training buddy, Brad. Aaron said:
"Brad will certainly keep me on my toes, he's a lot younger than me so will help push me and keep me motivated. I'm so pleased he's decided to do it with me, we have motivated each other to beat our previous times and remain focused on the challenge."
Scotty's Little Soldiers does lots of things to support its members, including providing access to the very best health and wellbeing care, offering outstanding development opportunities through a range of activity and educational grants, and Scotty's helps put smiles back on those brave faces by organising events, providing respite breaks, posting them birthday and Christmas presents and remembering the anniversary of their parent's death.
Over the last year, the charity has had to adapt to the current climate and has been using modern technology to arrange exciting virtual events and activities to engage with its members, ensuring them that in uncertain times such as these they are not alone. They've also been providing a high volume of wellbeing support to families who are suffering from enhanced anxiety and other problems due to the current health crisis.
Commenting on Aaron and Brad's challenge, Scotty's founder, Nikki said:
"I cannot thank Aaron and Brad enough for their fundraising efforts. Their support, particularly at this difficult time, is greatly appreciated. This is such a hard challenge but a great way to raise money and look after your mental health. Every penny raised will go a long way in helping us continue to deliver a high level of support to our members at a time when they need it the most. Without fundraisers like Brad and Aaron we'd be unable to do that. We wish them both the best of luck."