HE IS regularly seen running around Malvern year but 2016 will see one keen runner take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Financial specialist Ross Whelan is trading up from figures to foot racing in April to raise funds for Veterans Aid by taking part in a race at the Sahara Desert.
Brave Ross will tackle baking hot temperatures of up to 50 degrees when he participates in the ‘Marathon des Sables’ for the charity that has inspired him.
The 42-year-old, who is already in training for what has been described as ‘the toughest foot race on earth’, hopes to raise at least £1,000 for Veterans Aid which helps support and improve the lives of thousands of ex-servicemen.
No stranger to physical challenges, Ross has already participated in a number of one-day ‘ultra marathons’ and mountain ascents, including the iconic Mont Blanc.
Mr Whelan, who lives in Herefordshire, said: “Without a doubt there is something very exciting about participating in a race where you are tested both physically and mentally in one of the most unforgiving and relentless environments the planet has to offer.
“It is about pushing yourself to the limit and then somehow digging deep to find that little bit extra. This race will undoubtedly take me well beyond my limits, but I feel it comes nowhere near the scale of the challenges faced by some of our servicemen on a daily basis.”
“I’m doing this for Veterans Aid because the care, support and work it does in transforming the lives of ex-servicemen and women in crisis is amazing.
“The impact that this charity has had, just last year alone, is inspirational. But there’s still more to be done and hopefully my participation in this event will go some way towards raising awareness and encouraging extra support for the charity’s work.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing support I received so far from family, friends and even complete strangers something which I’ll draw upon during those moments when the spirits are flagging in the desert heat.”
So far Ross has raised more than £350 for the charity who have praised and thanked him for his commitment to the cause.
Veterans Aid chief executive Dr Hugh Milroy said: “I’m continually surprised by the things people do to support this charity and can’t thank Ross enough for what he is undertaking. It is quite literally, awesome!
“Every donation is valued, but when people put themselves through such punishing ordeals to raise money for us, we can only salute and thank them.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Ross-Whelan-MarathonDesSables2016 or text ‘MDES73’ and amount £? to 70070.
