Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) extends a huge thank you to twenty-five incredible supporters who laced up their running shoes for the Plymouth Half Marathon and Plymouth Marathon this past weekend!
From serving personnel to family members and lifelong supporters, every runner had a unique and deeply personal reason for taking on the challenge, united by a shared determination to support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community.
One of those runners was Lieutenant Elinor Haynes, who embraced the challenge as another opportunity to push beyond her comfort zone. A member of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS), Elinor has served in the Royal Navy for four years and is no stranger to elite sport, competing with the Royal Navy Aquatics Association and the Royal Navy Ladies Water Polo Squad.
She said:
“Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is a fantastic charity that does so much for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. It’s a great opportunity to be able to give back, even a little.”
At 61 years young, Gordon Foot proved that determination knows no age limit. Alongside his son Lewis, he took on the challenge to stay fit and continue supporting a cause close to his heart. A former submariner with two decades of service in the Royal Navy and still working as a seafarer today, Gordon’s motivation is rooted in a lifetime connected to the sea and supporting fellow seafarers.
Another inspiring participant was Catherine Taylor, who has been running for the past two years, completing her first marathon last year. After struggling with injuries that prevented her from training consistently for several months, she was determined not to let the setback stop her from taking part in the Plymouth Half Marathon.
She said:
“Despite my recent injuries, running in a city I’ve called home for nearly two decades and supporting such a worthy cause was too important to pass up. I chose to fundraise for RNRMC because of the vital support they provide to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families. Their work really resonates with me, and I want to contribute to helping those who serve and protect our country.”
Funds raised through events such as these help Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity continue its work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families through times of need.
RNRMC congratulates all the runners on their remarkable achievements and thanks them for their outstanding fundraising efforts and support.
