Ethel Mendius 2 days ago
Wesley, a former British Army soldier, completed the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon and raised almost £800 for Forces Children Scotland. Here are the reasons he chose to run for us – from his experience serving to his own ten-year-old daughter.
Wesley joined the British Army in 1999 and served for 23 years, completing operational tours all over the world. Three years ago, he made the decision to retire so he could spend more time with his family.
In May, he ran the Edinburgh Marathon and raised almost £800 for Forces Children Scotland: ‘I’m happy with the marathon, happy with what I achieved, and happy to do it for Forces Children Scotland,’ he told us.
Wesley had never run a marathon before – and hated running when he was in the military – but after his service, he knew he wanted to complete this challenge for a good cause. He trained for a year: ‘It was hard, but worth it.’
Wesley’s experiences in the military led him to fundraise for us: ‘I worked in the Family Office myself, so I know what people are going through. The support Forces Children Scotland offers to military families is phenomenal. I wish had known about it for the families I worked with.’
Wind and rain made the marathon especially challenging: ‘If it wasn’t for the charity, I would’ve given up’, Wesley said. But he had another motivation for running: a commitment he made to his ten-year-old daughter. ‘She told me I had to complete it!’
When he told his daughter he was running for Forces Children Scotland, she said: ‘that’s one of the best charities I’ve heard of, and I’m happy you’re doing this for them.’
Despite the bad weather, Wesley’s family was there to cheer him on to the finish line: ‘It was emotional to see them, especially my wee girl. I missed so much of her life while I was in the military based away from home. Hearing her say, “well done, you finished it!” is some of the best bonding we’ve had.’
We’re grateful for Wesley’s efforts and appreciate his perspective as a former soldier and, in his words, ‘a big family man.’ The money he has raised will go directly to our support for babies, children and young people from Armed Forces families.
Some of our team attended this families thank you day at RAF Lossiemouth.
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