Azores triumph for SSAFA Warrior Team

08 June 2023

On the 22 May, SSAFA’s Warrior Challenge, led by Richard French, SSAFA Regional Fundraising Officer, finished a colossal 110km ultra-marathon across the volcanic island of São Miguel in the Azores. All 24 runners crossed the finish line in high spirits and with only a few minor injuries. The team has raised over £40,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Made up of veterans and serving members of the Household Regiment, the team have done a combined 70 operational tours in war zones including Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

SSAFA’s runners include veterans from their 20's to 70's, some of whom were shot or blown up on operations, leaving them with life changing injuries. They all share a willingness to push themselves to the limit by taking on this epic challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for their fellow veterans in need. Many have suffered PTSD and other related mental health issues.

Richard said: “As a team, we have raised a lot of money for the charity. But, on a personal level, a lot of these men have struggled after leaving the Army, and this event brought us together and has provided support networks. I genuinely haven’t laughed this much in years. Being a veteran myself, I have loved being back in a team, with a mission complete.”

The winning team member was Shane Blakeley, from Alfreton, who was placed 41st in the event overall. Coming in second on the team was Jody Bragger, from Brighton, who has been working and training for the event in Ukraine. Third in the team was Greg Dunnings, from Preston. So far, Steve O’Brien, from Colwyn Bay, is the most successful fundraiser from the team. Steve faced the difficult decision not to go to the Azores after sustaining an injury, however, he pledged to carry on fundraising and cycled 400 miles at home during the two days of the race instead. So far, he has raised over £4,500 for the team.

At a get-together prior to setting off for the Azores, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, said: “I am proud to be presenting kit to those taking part in the Azores Ultra Marathon. These men have served their country and now are going on to support a great cause. It is inspiring to meet them.

“SSAFA is a charity which helps service people, veterans, and their families in their times of need, so it is wonderful that this team is supporting them by raising much-needed funds.”

Next year the SSAFA Warrior Challenge will be open to all regiments and will take place in Morocco in November. Please email Richard.french@ssafa.org.uk for more details.