Andy Stoneley, late the Royal Logistic Corps and now General Manager for ESS at RAF Honington near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, has raised more than £600 towards a target of £3,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Andy, who lives in Stanway, Colchester, raised the sum through a self-set challenge to run more than 500 kilometres around the 779-hectare (1,920-acre) site near Bury St Edmunds.
He ran this incredible distance not only so that SSAFA can carry on its work as it has for nearly 140 years, but in memory also of his late father-in-law, a Royal Navy submariner, who died just last November.
Completing the final 31km, and looking as fresh as a daisy, an elated Andy was greeted by ESS colleagues and RAF Honington personnel, including Station Commander Max Hayward, who said:
“This is a fantastic effort and amazing achievement by Andy.
“It’s a superb amount raised, which will go a long way to allow SSAFA to continue helping those still serving, as well as families and our veterans.”
Andy added:
“I’m always very keen to make a difference and support charities and people in need. I’m a keen runner, and so I set up a gruelling daily challenge, and believe me, running every day for a month WAS a challenge, especially as the distance increased daily, totalling 501 kilometres in all.”
Calling SSAFA his “first choice” for a charity to fundraise for, the veteran thanked all who have supported him, adding:
“The support I received from family, friends, and work colleagues was first class, so thank you and to everyone who has donated because every penny helps.”
Andy, who, about his next challenge cryptically says “there’s more to follow” is still accepting donations. To support him, visit justgiving.com/page/andrew-stoneley.
For more information – including how to fundraise or volunteer for SSAFA, or to access support in the area – visit ssafa.org.uk/suffolk.
