Two Moray airmen have their sights trained on helping forces personnel by pushing their bodies to the limit.
The RAF Lossiemouth aces have put themselves forward for a series of gruelling physical challenges this year.
Danny Parsons and Mike Tyrer are raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund after hearing about the sterling work which the group does.
Mr Tyrer has entered the Loch Ness Marathon in September and was impressed by the way that a former colleague, Mick McConnell, was given help by the RAFBF to settle in Elgin to be near his family.
Mr McConnell was on patrol in Afghanistan in 2011 looking for improvised bombs when he stepped on a mine, shattering his left foot.
While recovering in hospital, he contacted the charity, who helped him and his wife, a former flight sergeant, buy a more suitable home in Moray.
Following a year of rehabilitation, Mr McConnell took the heart-wrenching decision to have his foot amputated, but although that created problems, at least he knows he isn’t alone.
The tough, atmospheric Highland marathon course covers undulating terrain as it weaves its way from the southern shores of the famous loch to the centre of Inverness. Seeing first-hand the difference the charity can make inspired Mr Tyrer to limber up for the run.
He said: “I had never actually looked that much into running a marathon until the RAFBF came to Lossiemouth.
They had advertised the opportunity to run the Loch Ness Marathon in aid of the RAFBF, which in itself is a well worthy cause.
“What really was the pivotal moment, however, was when Mick McConnell spoke about his personal experience and how much the fund can actually change someone’s life.
“His touching story inspired me to undertake this feat, knowing that any money I actually do raise will be making a huge difference to past and current serving members of the RAF.”
The fund provides support to families in the force, including childcare difficulties, disability support, financial hardship and bereavement.
Mr Parsons’ first fundraiser could hardly be more daunting. The airman has set himself the challenge of cycling hundreds of miles a day while climbing the Alps.
He explained: “Having just spent the last four and a bit years on an exchange tour in New Zealand, I felt the time was right to not only push myself with a gruelling challenge, but also do my bit for the hugely worthwhile charity.
“I’ve seen their great work in supporting RAF personnel, their families and veterans. It felt right to lend my support.
“To help with this, I have committed to riding my bike from Paris to Geneva, covering about 400 miles in four days with 7500 metres of climbing joy – the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis five and a half times.
“With the move back from New Zealand and settling back into the UK, time has been tight to train. Luckily, I have a very supportive family who also realise the importance of the RAFBF, which has allowed me time to bag the miles.”
Donations can be made to the airmen by visiting
justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Tyrer
and
justgiving.com/fundraising/Danny-Parsons1
.