Why I do March In March
Every March, I lace up my boots, shoulder my kit, and step out onto the road for March for Combat Stress. It isn’t easy. It isn’t comfortable. And that’s exactly the point.I march to raise money for those who gave so much, often quietly, often without thanks and who now need us to give something back. The men and women who carried the weight of service long after the uniform came off. The ones whose battles didn’t end when they got home.
This year’s challenge is ten miles. Ten honest, grinding miles. On paper it’s just a distance, but in reality it’s a symbol. A small gesture of thanks and solidarity. A reminder that while I can choose to take this hardship on for a day, many live with their own every single day.
We do it in full kit, with a daysack on our backs. Not because we have to—but because it matters. The extra weight forces you to slow down. It makes every mile count. It brings the reality home, step by step, as the straps bite and the legs start to complain.
There’s blood. There’s sweat. And yes, sometimes there’s the occasional tear. Usually when we pass an ice cream stall with a mile-long queue and absolutely no chance of stopping. You laugh, because if you don’t, you’ll cry. And then you put one foot in front of the other and crack on.
But somewhere between mile six and mile nine, something changes. The noise fades. The discomfort becomes background. You start thinking about why you’re really there. About the people this march is for. About mates, stories, and memories. About resilience. About community.
That’s why I march.
I march because awareness matters.
I march because support saves lives.
I march because no one who has given so much should ever feel forgotten.
Ten miles won’t fix everything. But it’s a start. And if my aching feet, sore shoulders, and momentary envy of ice cream can help even one person get the support they need, then it’s worth every step.
So in March, I march. And I’ll keep marching for as long as it takes.
Support my March in March
This year I will be taking on March in March to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.
Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict.
I’m taking on March in March to help take vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.
Thank you so much for your support and together we march!
