Injured veteran and wife to take on London Marathon together
23 March 2015
Andrew and Emma Stockton of Lichfield will be running the Virgin London Marathon in April to raise money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
They want to give back to the charity that has helped the couple through hard times when Andrew was injured in Afghanistan.
Having served with the Royal Artillery for over 20 years, Andrew was working as the Sergeant Major of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) flight detachment on his first tour of Afghanistan in 2006. He was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade which severed his left arm above the elbow. Once he was back in Britain, Andrew joined Blesma, and both he and his wife Emma credit the charity for playing an important part in his recovery.
Emma says: “If it wasn’t for Blesma I think Andy would have lost himself. They have helped to give him focus, motivation and confidence, especially in the early days when very little else was in place for injured soldiers.”
Mum-of-three Emma has set up a running club to encourage people in her local area to be more active, and to aid with her own training. Andrew has been fitting in training around his busy job as a military insurer.
He says: “I have chosen to run the London Marathon to give something back to Blesma as they are the charity that has helped me the most since my injury. Emma and I want to raise as much money as possible to make sure that Blesma can continue their fantastic work.”
The couple plan to raise £4,000 and have already reached the half-way point in their fundraising. They have also been kindly sponsored by local businesses SJs Car and Bike Garage, Pax Insurance, Barry Cook Photography and Divine Dogs.
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
To support Andrew and Emma in their challenge, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Stocky32/
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
Andrew and Emma: /media/285099/043.JPG