RAF Wittering staff raise vital cash for mental health charity in marathon sled push

Ten personnel from 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2MT) successfully pushed a 152.5kg sled the total length of a marathon (42.195Km) in an attempt to raise £2,000 for the charity CALM.

But the team have been so successful, they’ve already doubled that £2,000 goal – with £4,000 already raised.

The team finished in 8 hours, 17 minutes and 18 seconds, competing countless 20m shuttle runs.

The sled push started out as a concept for developing and nurturing values and ethos within 2MT. The idea grew with more personnel getting involved in planning the event, with the training lead Sgt Walsh, organising the event.

In addition to raising awareness around mental health, the aim of the event was to highlight the importance of peer-to-peer support and that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

Sgt Declan of 2MT said: “As a team of men, we recognise that many still struggle to speak openly about their mental health, and that creating a culture of support is more important than ever. This challenge represents exactly who we are, a team prepared to dig deep, embrace adversity and achieve something together that none of us could do alone.”

Sgt Declan added: “Sadly, suicide affects families, friends, colleagues and communities across the UK. If our challenge can raise vital funds, encourage even one person to start a conversation, or remind someone that

they are never alone, then every single metre we push that sled will have been worth it.”