On 5 June 2024, serving Royal Navy officer, Lieutenant Commander Alex Miles crossed the finishing line of the 1,000-mile trail run from Land’s End to John O’Groats, which he began over a month ago, fundraising for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Alabaré, a homelessness charity assisting veterans.
The submariner completed the route, despite an early setback which saw him struck down with a mystery virus in only the second week of the challenge. Suffering from extreme fatigue and uncontrollable shivering, Alex, who was born and raised in Newport, South Wales, was thankfully able to rally after a short period of recuperation and resume the thirty plus miles a day of trail running in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
The route was designed by race organiser’s Run Britannia and took place over 37 days with a total elevation of over 70,000ft. It included elements of spectacular trails in England, Wales and Scotland and took in multiple national parks on the way, finishing at the renowned most northeasterly tip of land in John O’Groats.
Alex joined the Royal Navy in 1999 and is married to a serving naval officer, having settled in Scotland close to the naval base town of Helensburgh with their two young children. His goal is to raise £5,000 for his chosen charities.
On choosing the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, the Royal Navy’s principal charity, Alex said:
‘As a serving member of the Royal Navy, I know how fundamental the support from RNRMC is, whether that’s assisting in times of bereavement, financial difficulty or homelessness, the charity is there for all members of the naval community. This has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life and I hope to raise as much money as possible for causes which are close to my heart.’
RNRMC’s Director of Fundraising, Dawn Ingram, said:
‘We are so grateful to Alex for supporting RNRMC. The fact that he has overcome such adversity to complete this incredible trail run from one end of the country to the other is testament to his strength of character and passion to help those who have served their country and fallen on hard times.’
To donate to Alex’s fundraising efforts and help him achieve his goal, please click here: A Miles is fundraising for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (justgiving.com)
