Corps Security Director completes two gruelling desert marathons for veterans’ mental health
Long term supporter of Combat Stress, Salman Shamim, Solutions Director at Corps Security, has just completed the Saharan Ultra Challenge to raise funds for veterans’ mental health.
Salman faced a gruelling two-day challenge in the scorching heat of the Sahara Desert, completing a marathon on day one before tackling a 50km Ultramarathon on day two. He has raised nearly £2,500 from his efforts.
On the challenge, Salman said: “Having done many challenges for Combat Stress over the years, I was looking for a challenge that would be a real test, and when I saw the Saharan Ultra Challenge I knew I had found the right one.
“Running 57 miles in two days in what felt like the hottest place on the planet was actually a lot harder than I thought. The temperature was 35 degrees in the shade and the relentless sun made for a brutal run. I have to admit that I was tempted to drop down to the “shorter” marathon distance on day two. However, I am so glad that I stuck with it and completed the Ultra marathon distance instead,
“What made it even more special, and humbling, was when I met a couple of veterans who have firsthand experience of the amazing work Combat Stress do. They thanked me for what I was doing and we talked briefly of the support that the charity has given to not just them but their friends as well. When you’re in the middle of the Sahara Desert and you experience a conversation like that it powers you along knowing that what you are doing, however crazy, is the right thing to do.
“If you get the chance, I recommend taking on a personal challenge. Whatever you choose to do, the scale of the challenge doesn’t matter; choosing to push yourself to be the best version of yourself, while supporting a great cause, is such a rewarding experience”.
Garry Burns, Senior Head of Corporate Partnerships and Events, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Salman for his continued above-and-beyond efforts to raise awareness and funds to support the charity.
“Having the support of selfless fundraisers like Salman, and organisations like Corps Security, is vital in helping us to continue providing our specialist treatment to veterans in need”.
You can still donate to Salman’s fundraising page, here: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/salmanshamim/saharan-challenge
Alternatively, if you would like to take on your own challenge in aid of veterans’ mental health, please visit: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/event-listings.
