Liam Price, serving at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, is running 250 miles, including a full marathon, before the end of December. He is raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to thank it for being there for him when he needed help himself.
Having served in many different locations in the UK, Liam found himself isolated and sinking into depression.
Liam said:
“I have struggled with many aspects of my life, leaving home, bereavements, relationships, deployments, loneliness, never feeling like anywhere is a place to call home. On a couple of occasions I simply could not handle anything anymore. The depression gripped me hard, and I almost lost the battle with myself to stay alive.”
Liam is running not only to raise funds to enable other people to be helped by SSAFA, but also to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
“Without SSAFA’s help, I probably wouldn’t be here today. Wherever I have been, when I needed help, SSAFA representatives have treated me with the greatest of respect and advised me when I never thought I could get help.”
SSAFA provides a social-work service for the RAF, enabling all aviators to access help and support, wherever they are posted.
Liam said:
“This challenge isn’t solely for my own benefit, but for the many other service personnel suffering right now with poor mental health. Speak to SSAFA.”
Liam is running regularly to get up to his 250-mile target, and the exercise is helping boost his mood. He has recently completed the Oxford Half Marathon, and last weekend put some extra miles in with his son on the Wallingford Santa Dash. He is enjoying getting out in nature, especially catching selfies with the local livestock.
Liam’s full marathon challenge is the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon on December 17.
If you would like to boost Liam’s fundraising, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/liam-price-1693150737978
