Cadet Force National Ambassador embarks on fundraising run across Iceland for SSAFA

19 August 2021

Dedicated fundraiser, multiple world record holder and British Army veteran Sally Orange is embarking on her latest challenge, to run from the north to the south of Iceland raising money for SSAFA and the Bowra Foundation, dressed as a pod of peas.

Sally is supported by Birds Eye UK for this challenge, dubbed the ‘Great Norse Run’, which is testament to her dedication to reducing the stigma associated with mental ill health and fundraising. She has run over 50 marathons and is the only person on the planet to have completed a marathon on every continent dressed as different pieces of fruit, but this is the first time Sally has run in a vegetable costume.

The Bowra Foundation was founded by stroke survivor and former Special Forces Lt Colonel, Mark Bowra MBE. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire the unrelenting pursuit of recovery from brain injury through practical help and physical challenges alongside members of the Armed Forces Community.

Sally said: “This challenge will test my physical and mental limits beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before, with nine back-to-back marathons and ultramarathons, freezing weather, relentless terrain and 15,000ft of elevation up mountains and crazy rivers to cross...all fuelled by a vegan diet!

“I am thrilled to be supported by Birds Eye UK, what could be more apt in the freezing conditions than running it as a pod of peas?! But there’s also another reason… I am raising money two causes close to my heart.

“The Bowra Foundation’, set up by my good friend Mark Bowra MBE, following a devastating stroke. The foundation’s motto is ‘What’s Inside Matters’ which refers to the contents of the “Bowra Bag” Mark developed to help others living with neurological disorders and to the determination they must find within themselves to progress their rehabilitation. This message resonates strongly with my own beliefs regarding mental health and is also true of a pod of peas!

“And SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, as they support those members of the Armed Forces community when they need it most."

As a National Ambassador for the Army Cadet Force, Sally is also hoping it will encourage young people to eat their greens and show that physical activity can be fun.