Guy’s a willing running partner on pal’s epic fundraising marathon
Our Assistant Site Manager Guy Jary has recently supported an ex-services pal who is on an epic 5,000 mile run around Great Britain’s coastline in aid of a charity promoting mental health awareness for the UK’s armed forces.
Guy, served alongside Paul Minter in Afghanistan before leaving the army and joining the construction industry. He recently accompanied Paul on a 15 mile stretch of the incredible fundraising run between Slapton Sands and Salcombe.
“I hadn’t done any training and it was right in the middle of July’s heatwave, but there was no way I was going to let a close friend of mine run through my hometown without being there with him,” said Guy who lives in Newton Abbot.
“My work keeps me pretty fit, so I managed 15 miles and then I realised I was just slowing Paul down. He’s incredible, like a machine. He is running between 25- 30 miles a day and is so focused on completing the run.”
We were pleased to donate £250 toward Paul’s fundraising efforts in recognition of Guy’s support for his friend and former comrade.
Paul, 37, who went on to serve 18 years in the army, completing five tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, is one of four ex-serviceman who has established the UK charity Head Up. It supports armed forces personnel affected by mental health issues, helping them to build a positive mindset and improve their mental resilience.
Both Guy and Paul were troopers in the Household Cavalry and know only too well of the impact PTSD and other mental health issues can have on those who have served, or are serving, in a war zone.
As well as raising awareness of mental health issues in the services, Paul also wants to raise enough money to build The Retreat, a purpose-built centre where both ex and current personnel can get support if they are struggling.
To help in that mission, Paul is currently running the equivalent of 191 marathons in 218 days on a clockwise route around the UK that began in March and is due to end in early October.
Beginning and ending in Liverpool, Paul’s route takes in England, including the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, as well as Wales, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland. The run was due to take place in 2020 but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Visitors to the charity’s website, www.head-up.org.uk can follow his progress via a live tracking link where people can also donate directly to the charity or set up their own fundraising pages in support of Paul’s run.
Guy is among scores of people from groups, businesses, organisations, as well as individuals, who have joined Paul on part of the run epic run – and he urged everyone to support his pal’s efforts if they can.
“Paul and I served together in Afghanistan for one tour which was particularly tough, and we lost a number of young lads. That’s why Paul’s mission to set up The Retreat is so important because it will do so much to support those who really need help,” added Guy
Paul said, “This is a tough challenge, made easier by having people join me throughout, especially those who I know personally or served with in the Army. It was great fun to run with Guy, we made some incredible memories, and I am so thankful for all his support.”
