I would walk 500 miles! Stuart’s epic fundraising effort for Oswestry veterans’ centre
A man has pushed himself to the limit by walking, jogging and running 500 miles to raise money to help build an orthopaedic centre for veterans in Oswestry.
Stuart Fowlie took on the 2018 Ultra Challenge series and the annual Longmynd Hike, to raise money for the planned £1.5 million veterans’ centre at the Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital.
He took on the challenge over six months, raising £3,600 so far, and was inspired to do so after his wife Gaynor was given a knee replacement while under the care of the current veterans’ service.
The money he has raised will now go towards the veterans’ appeal, which when built will allow veterans to be treated in a bespoke environment.
The current service, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is run by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, serving officer in the British Army and clinical director of the Veterans’ Service.
Mr Fowlie said: “I decided to fundraise for the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre appeal to thank Lt Col Meyer and the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Gaynor had been suffering from a damaged and painful knee, after an injury during her service, for more years than I can remember.
“Thanks to Lt Col Meyer and his team, Gaynor had a total knee replacement and now lives life pain-free again.”
As part of the challenge, Stuart took part in the Isle of Wight challenge, London 2 Brighton, Cotswold Way, Jurassic Coast, Wye Valley, the South Coast challenge and the Thames Path trek before ending his series of events with the Longmynd Hike.
Stuart added: “The challenges have been both physically and mentally draining with every race being a new learning experience but also a fantastic experience.
“Gaynor has always been my biggest supporter and I couldn’t have completed these challenges without her support. She was at every finish line for me.
“My initial fundraising target was £3,000 however I’m now at over £3,600 – everyone’s generosity has been amazing and both me and Gaynor are extremely grateful to those who donated or supported me in some way.”
To donate to the cause visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rjah/veterans
