SSAFA support inspires Edinburgh soldier’s ultramarathon fundraising effort

12 May 2026

“It was the worst time of his life, and then SSAFA came along and completely transformed it.” 

An Edinburgh dad and serving soldier has spoken of how SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity helped his hero big brother through his darkest days. 

Now Tam Meighan is taking on the Scotland Ultra, in tribute to SSAFA’s support for Iraq veteran John. 

Tam, 39, from Longstone, will cover more than 100 miles when he embarks on the epic ultramarathon challenge on 6 June. And for Tam, the challenge is personal; SSAFA was there for his brother John when he was homeless, grieving, and in mental health crisis. 

Tam and John come from a proud military family; their dad was a Reserve with the Royal Highland Fusiliers and their uncle and cousin served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and Royal Anglian Regiment, counting more than two decades of service between them. The two brothers wanted to follow suit - and they did, joining up themselves as soon as they were old enough. 

But as a soldier, John suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following deployment to Iraq. Then followed relationship breakdown and the sudden death of a loved one, sending John into a downward spiral. He was homeless, unemployed, and broken-hearted. 

Tam explained: “John ended up couch-surfing for two years. He was struggling to get work. It was the worst time of his life; then SSAFA came along and completely transformed it.” 

SSAFA helped John escape homelessness, securing the tenancy of a place he could call his own and helping him to access the furniture and household goods that make a house, a home. 

With a permanent address, John was able to start rebuilding his life. He was able to apply to university and is studying towards a nursing degree. He plans to work with children with learning disabilities. 

Meanwhile, wee brother Tam is on a mission to help other serving and ex-Forces personnel facing struggles like John’s by raising funds and awareness for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. 

SSAFA is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families in their time of need, with the ultimate mission to ensure our Armed Forces community never battle alone. 

Starting in Dalry in North Ayrshire, Tam’s Scotland Ultra challenge will follow the Southern Upland Way, cross-country - and including uphill climbs of over 700 metres - to reach the finish line in Galashiels. A serving soldier himself with 22 years’ service with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Tam admits it’s his toughest endurance challenge yet - but he is determined to give it his all. 

“SSAFA is a charity that’s so close to mine and my family’s heart because of my big brother,” he said. “I’m under no illusions about how hard it’s going to be, but I’m hoping my stubborn squaddie mentality will get me through.” 

Tam is hoping to raise £1,000 for SSAFA by completing the Scotland Ultra on 6 June - the anniversary of the D Day landings. He is just over halfway towards his target.