Carl Shadrake, 36 of Fleet, Hants, has taken on an epic personal challenge to run 100 half marathons in 100 days to raise funds for Help for Heroes, a charity close to his heart as it has supported him and his family for over a decade. He will complete his challenge on Friday 16 October by climbing to the top of Mount Snowdon, the second highest peak in the UK, where he will be accompanied by serving military and other wounded and sick veterans who will be giving him moral support. By the end of his challenge he will have run 2,110 km (1,311 miles).

Critical injuries: Carl, a former Sergeant in the Grenadier Guard, suffered two critical injuries when he was on tour in Afghanistan, firstly in 2007 when he received a brain injury as a result of a suicide bomber detonating just metres away from him and secondly, in 2012 when a colleague stood on an IED and Carl was left with shrapnel embedded in his face, arms and stomach from the blast. 

 

As Carl recovered from the second injury he was informed that his brother had been shot and killed in action; a few months later he was informed his military career was over. For a number of years Carl struggled with his anger and lack of motivation which made life difficult not just for himself but for his family too. He also lost interest in his appearance and became unfit and overweight.

Carl contacted Help for Heroes after coming to the realisation that both he and his wife needed support. Both of them joined the charity’s fellowship programme which provides a network of support with other veterans and their families who are going through similar issues. Plus, through the Help for Heroes sports recovery programme Carl found his motivation and purpose once again, discovering a love of running and cycling which has led to him competing in over 20 triathlons and six Ironman events, despite the permanent damage to his shoulder.

An epic challenge to give something back: Carl decided he wanted to give something back and raise money for Help for Heroes and SSAFA by doing something a bit different. As he’s now pretty fit, he realised it would have to be something big for people to sponsor him. When the idea of running 100 half marathons in 100 days came to him in December 2019, it sounded so awful that he realised it was the event he had to do  – and once he’d told people about it, he couldn’t back out.

He started the challenge on Friday 13 March so that he would complete it on Saturday 21 June, the anniversary of being blown up the second time in Afghanistan. However, COVID-19 had other plans. When lockdown first started he tried to run in quiet places to get away from people but with so many other people wanting to make the most of their daily exercise allowance, it was very difficult to stay socially distanced during a daily two hour run so he had to put the whole event on hold indefinitely.

The reboot for his challenge came on 20 July when veterans from his Help for Heroes triathlon team, Team True Spirit, persuaded him to take part in a virtual 100 mile running event and he hasn’t stopped since. Now he has less than 20 half marathons to do he finally feels like achieving his huge goal is tantalisingly close.

He says, “Physically it’s tough, my body is tired and legs are screaming for rest but I know I can do it. What’s been harder is the mental side of things and motivating myself to go out running solo. During hot spells it’s been extremely difficult as I’ve gone running at night to avoid the heat, but by the time I’m showered, hydrated, stretched and in bed it’s midnight, then I’m back up again at 6am to go to work. Without the pandemic I’m sure it would have been a whole lot easier, as I had organised events booked every weekend but I’m really glad I’m still doing it.”

“It’s enabling me to give back for the help I’ve received. By raising money for Help for Heroes I can help make sure that it stays around to help other people like me. It takes time to admit that you need help, so there will be many more wounded veterans following on behind me who will need their support in years to come.”

Help for Heroes needs public support

Carl could not have chosen a more important time to raise funds for Help for Heroes which relies on public donations for 97% of its income. Its fundraising has been hit hard this year with all its face to face fundraising events and activities since April being either cancelled or postponed. As a result it anticipates a 30% reduction in regular income over the coming years with the ongoing economic recession. At the same time, demand for support rose significantly during lockdown with a 33% increase in new people coming forward for support with their mental health in May and June 2020 compared to the same period last year, as well as nearly 30% more new referrals into the Charity’s physical health focused service.  

Help for Heroes stresses that no recovery services are being cut, but they are being adapted towards more community and online-based support. It believes that moving towards a more community and digital-focused approach to delivering support will mean it can reach the wounded veterans and families that need it, regardless of their location, in a more effective and efficient way. 

Beth Miles, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Director for Help for Heroes, concludes, “The last few months have been tough for everyone across the country, and as a charity we have seen a significant impact on our fundraising activities. We simply couldn’t provide the support we do without the creativity and generosity of people like Carl, and we are very grateful to him and everyone who contributes to our fundraising efforts.”

To donate to Carl’s 100 x 100 Half Marathon Challenge and support Help for Heroes and SSAFA please visit his fundraising page: 

virginmoneygiving.com/CarlShadrake