Okay, we’re a few months in now and the training appears to be working.
Well, I’m slimmer if not lighter (tries to hide his diet planner) and the cardio work is coming along to the point that I’m looking at some trail running routes around Sheffield and graduating from the Muddling Bootcamp up to the Maybe Mudder Bootcamp…may be 😀

However, I’ve invested in a MUVI Atom. The plan is to initially pop up some training videos and very possibly record my Tough Mudder ordeal. More news on that one once I’ve got a handle on the technology and can edit together some halfway descent (i.e. not TOTALLY embarassing) videos. 🙂

Since I’m pretty much training on my own at the moment I thought this would be a good point to talk about Help For Heroes and my inspirations for doing Tough Mudder this Year. I’ll admit that initially I had decided to try Tough Mudder because of my friend Maria; but, during the sign-up process I noticed that Tough Mudder supports Help For Heroes and provides a Fundraising Page for competitors, so it seemed churlish not to support one of my favourite charities.

So…
Who Are Help For Heroes?

Help For Heroes (H4H) are a charity that raises funds to help injured service personnel. They were founded back in 2007 when Bryn & Emma Parry decided to raise money for a Swimming Pool Complex after a visit to the Military Ward at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. Due to legal reasons the £8.5 Million raises could not be channelled through existing services charities so a new charity was created to get the funds through for the urgently needed facilities.

What Do They Do?

Okay, this is straight from the website but keeps it nice and succinct:

To assist persons who are currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their dependants, by advancing any lawful charitable purpose at the discretion of the Trustees and in particular, but not exclusively:

• To promote and protect the health of those that have been wounded or injured whilst serving in the Armed Forces through the provision of facilities, equipment or services for their rehabilitation.
• To make grants to other charities who assist members of the Armed Forces and their dependants.
• To promote and protect the health of those who have been wounded, sick or injured whilst providing services to, or in conjunction with, and in either case under the direction of the commander of the Armed Forces in an area of conflict or war and to provide benefits to the dependants of such persons who are in need.

So Why You?

Part of it is that when you train and compete for something you believe in it makes all the difference. It drives you onward, helps you find that extra ounce of strength and makes the victory at the end all the sweeter knowing that all the work has been to make someone else’s life a little better.

I have the privilege of knowing a great number of serving and retired service personnel; while the people helped by H4H are inspirational, it’s the support and help I’ve received from some amazing friends over the years that’s driving me on today. In our modern world, when disaster strikes it’s the skills and courage of the armed forces that often make relief efforts possible. Not just in terms of protecting aid workers, but in logistics, providing medical aid, as well as helping put places back together when the smoke and rubble has cleared.

More Updates to Come. 😀