My Poppy Run is a new fundraising challenge encouraging supporters to run, walk or jog in aid of veterans

A charity for veterans is encouraging supporters to get out and about to raise much-needed funds.

Poppyscotland is launching a new fundraising challenge with the aim of raising money to support the armed forces and veterans community. My Poppy Run encourages entrants to double knot their trainers, grab their sweatbands and hit the road, park, or treadmill.

As Scotland begins to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions, My Poppy Run is designed to be a safe way for supporters to back the charity with their vital year-round fundraising programme. Participants are encouraged to pick a route in their local area and can chose to run, jog, or walk any distance of their choosing either solo, in a household bubble, or a socially distanced small group.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “We provide life-changing support to help those who have served, those still serving, and their families, and although restrictions are slowly lifting, we have been forced to cancel several major events we had planned in 2021. Our armed forces community need Poppyscotland’s support now more than ever, and My Poppy Run is a great way to ensure they get the help they need. The beauty of the challenge is that you can design it yourself from running a 5K alone, jogging around the park with your family, or racking up the miles with your local running group in a marathon relay.”

Poppyscotland supporter and fundraiser, Ryan Small, was so keen to be involved he wanted to be the first to sign-up: “I’ve supported Poppyscotland for over three years by participating in various challenges and fundraising events. I was inspired to take part in My Poppy Run after my cousin sadly passed away very suddenly last year. He was a big advocate of Remembrance Day as his dad is an ex-serviceman, and he was always very proud to see him take part in the commemorative events, so I’m raising funds for Poppyscotland in his honour.

“After spending a year indoors due to the pandemic, I’m desperate to get my body moving again so I decided to break-up My Poppy Run challenge over the course of four events. I’ll be running 50 and 80 mile races, a full marathon, and a 24-hour hill run. Some might say I’m a glutton for punishment, but I find running very therapeutic and to combine my passion with such a noble cause was a no-brainer. You certainly don’t need to do anything as extreme as my challenges; it’s just about getting involved, getting active and raising money for an amazing cause!” 

My Poppy Run is open between now and Armed Forces Day on Saturday 26 June. Registration costs just £15 for adults and £10 for children, for which participants will receive a t-shirt, medal and an online fundraising page that can be shared with family and friends. Those who raise £100 or more through their fundraising efforts will be awarded a special edition My Poppy Run medallion.

For more information and to register, visit the website.