A dedicated military veteran is gearing up to complete his 20th charity challenge as part of a remarkable mission to raise £50,000 for Help for Heroes.
Adrian Pearson, originally from Wilmslow, Cheshire and now based in Bourne, Lincolnshire, will embark on an ambitious series of endurance events this year, including six Heroes Hikes across the UK and two 10K running events.
His journey began this April with the Heroes 10k event in Broadlands, Hampshire. From there, Adrian will tackle some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes: Scafell Pike and Hadrian’s Wall in May, Ben Nevis in June, The London Military Landmarks and Peak District-based Dambusters Skyline in July, the Jurassic Coast in August, and will conclude in September with a final 10k challenge at Manvers Lake in Rotherham.
A former British Army solider, Adrian served for nine years, including four tours in Northern Ireland, where he was part of the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. During his service, he came under fire multiple times while operating as a gunner.
Joining the military was a lifelong dream for Adrian, inspired by the service of both his grandfathers during World War II. At just 16 years and seven days old, he became the youngest soldier in the British Army at the time. However, his military career was cut short when he was medically discharged due to a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He has also recently been diagnosed with type two diabetes, kidney problems and now arthritis.
“I have lots of recurring nightmares and I struggle with loud bangs such as fireworks and party poppers. I’ve spent time in hospital and Help for Heroes’ Hidden Wounds team were also brilliant with their support. I had no initial support when I left the service in 1997, which is why I fundraise for Help for Heroes. I want soldiers of today to have the support I didn’t.”
“The arthritis, which affects both knees, hips, ankles, elbows and fingers, will slow me down – but I won’t let that stop me. I’ll be revisiting treks that I did during my service, which makes it all the more meaningful.”
Adrian’s commitment to fundraising for Help for Heroes began in 2011 with street performances on the flute, where he collected donations in exchange for wristbands and lapel pins. His efforts grew to include community events and increasingly demanding physical challenges such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the gruelling Burma Trek, and a five-day hike across Hadrian’s Wall.
To date, Adrian has raised over £40,000 for the charity – and he is not stopping until he hits his £50,000 target.
“I like challenges that push me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “My service made me that way. I find fundraising gives me a goal and something to focus on instead of my PTSD and mental health. It helped me transition from military service and not shy away from the world.”
If you are interested in joining Adrian on a Heroes Hike, please visit https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/fundraising-events/heroes-hikes/ . Alternatively, you can donate at http://www.justgiving.com/page/adrian-pearson-10k-manvers-lake
