David Vannen

Date:

May 2010

Fundraising challenge:

Carrying a 75lbs / 34 Kilo Army-style bergen backback over the 26 miles of the London Marathon. Part of the challenge was that I had to drink a can of larger at mile 21 and carry on!

How much did you raise:

£550

What motivated you to do this challenge?:

I wanted to prove to myself that I was fit enough to take this on. The weight is about that carried by special forces soldiers on their selection courses. I wanted to prove that you don’t have to be in the forces to be bold and hardy (daft?!) enough to do this. I’ve got a great amount of respect for these people, although I don’t always agree with the places they’re sent and the jobs they’re asked to do. There are other ways to be tough enough – I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier!

Why did you choose to raise money for War Child?:

I thought that War Child was an apt choice, given my challenge! I think that unless there’s some intervention and help, children affected by war harbour their pain as adults, and the cycle of war begins again. Lots of people ran by me saying “well done, great cause!” so I’m not alone in thinking War Child do important work.