Ian Thomas takes on SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge

20 April 2022

SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge is back! Taking place on 25th June 2022, the event is one of SSAFA’s major Armed Forces Day activities and provides a great opportunity to raise money for SSAFA with participants walking the 10-mile route criss-crossing the River Thames via the 13 bridges in Central London.

Amongst this year’s participants is Service Veteran Ian Thomas who will be representing SSAFA’s London South West Branch. Ian is a seasoned runner and has taken part in numerous events including the 2021 Virtual Vitality 10,000 and for nearly four years, he has completed a 5km run every Saturday, and ever since the first COVID lockdown, he’s upped the ante, taking advantage of the fact we were allowed out to exercise, running 5km twice a week and walking 5km on other days.

The 13 Bridges Challenge is suitable for those of all fitness levels and ages, and so it is a great event for the whole family! Ian encourages “people to go as a team, walking together and to also raise funds together!”

He also urges “all SSAFA volunteers to try and get others involved, even if not participating themselves.” It is free to sign up for the event and each participant has a £50 fundraising target for SSAFA to continue to support members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families. If you cannot get to London, you can take part in the event virtually and track your activity to your fundraising page automatically via Strava.

Once he’s crossed the finish line, Ian intends to grab a beer or two with other participants in a nearby pub to celebrate the 2022 Armed Forces Day.

If you are interested in taking part in this year's 13 Bridges Challenge, find out more information about the event at: https://ssaf.as/13Bridges

If you are already signed up to take part, then watch out for our training tips to help you get prepared.