Pair taking on London Marathon in series of challenges for injured veterans

Fitness fanatics Rob Holland, 60, and Cathy Thompson, 57, are taking on the London Marathon this weekend as part of a series of challenges they are completing throughout 2016 to raise money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

The duo, both from Lincoln, have already completed two half marathons, the Manchester Marathon and the Deerstalker Night Run obstacle run in Scotland. They have around another twelve events coming up including the Amsterdam Marathon, 10k assault courses in Edinburgh and Manchester, a run up Mount Snowdon, the Man vs Lakes event in the Lake District, a 105-mile cycle/kayak/run event in Scotland and the National ACF Athletic Championships.

Rob is the Quartermaster at Lincoln Army Cadet Force and Cathy is retired. They met at a spinning class and have been completing challenges and raising money for charity together for several years.

Rob came to hear of Blesma through his time serving with the Royal Artillery and after spending time at Headley Court with a leg injury. He says: “Most people think we are crazy when we tell them about the challenges we have set ourselves, but it’s important that charities like Blesma are supported so we are happy to put ourselves through our paces on their behalf!”

The friends have currently raised around £2,500 for Blesma, but have plenty of fundraising activities lined up including dinner parties, raffles and an auction where the star prize is a day flying with the Red Arrows.

Senior Community and Events Fundraising Executive at Blesma Zanika Fearon says: “I’d like to thank Rob and Cathy for all their hard work and commitment in taking on all these challenges for Blesma, without people like them we couldn’t continue to support our Members!”

To support Rob and Cathy, go to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/muddymuckers1

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.

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

Rob & Cathy at Leeds Half Marathon: https://blesma.org/media/437557/img_0515.jpg

Are you inspired? Apply for a Blesma London Marathon charity place