Bourne military veteran Adrian Pearson takes on 20th challenge in aid of Help for Heroes
A military veteran is gearing up to complete his 20th charity challenge as part of a mission to raise £50,000 for Help for Heroes.
Adrian Pearson will embark on an ambitious series of endurance events this year, including six Heroes Hikes across the UK and two 10k running events.
Since 2011 he has raised money with street performances on the flute, by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Burma Trek and a five-day hike across Hadrian’s Wall.
He has raised more than £40,000 for the military support charity but won’t stop until he hits his £50,000 target.
Adrian, who lives in Bourne, said: “I like challenges that push me out of my comfort zone. My service made me that way. I find fundraising gives me a goal and something to focus on instead of my PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and mental health.
“It helped me transition from military service and not shy away from the world.”
Adrian served as a British Army soldier for nine years including four tours in Northern Ireland where he was part of the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. During his service, he came under fire multiple times while operating as a gunner.
He always wanted to join the military, taking inspiration from his two grandfathers who served during the Second World War. At just 16 years and seven days old, Adrian became the youngest soldier in the British Army at the time.
However, his military career was cut short when he was medically discharged due to a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder. He has also recently been diagnosed with type two diabetes, kidney problems and arthritis.
Adrian said: “I have lots of recurring nightmares and I struggle with loud bangs such as fireworks and party poppers. I’ve spent time in hospital and the Help for Heroes’ Hidden Wounds team were brilliant with their support.
“I had no initial support when I left the service in 1997 which is why I fundraise for Help for Heroes. I want soldiers of today to have the support I didn’t.”
Adrian’s challenges for this year include some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes - Scafell Pike and Hadrian’s Wall in May, Ben Nevis in June, The London Military Landmarks and Peak District-based Dambusters Skyline in July, the Jurassic Coast in August, and a 10k challenge at Manvers Lake in Rotherham in September.
He said: “The arthritis, which affects both knees, my hips, ankles, elbows and fingers, will slow me down but I won’t let that stop me. I’ll be revisiting treks that I did during my service which makes it all the more meaningful.”
Donations towards Adrian’s fundraising can be made online at www.justgiving.com/page/adrian-pearson-10k-manvers-lake
Are you taking on a charity challenge? Send the details to news@lincsonline.co.uk
