Hart matched Kim’s fundraising amount for Hire A Hero – Kim raised more than £1000 for the charity that supports veterans rehabilitation into civilian life 

Recently I took part in my first obstacle course arranged by the events company Urban Attack.  Held in Kent, I had to choose between 5km or 10km. Due to the fact I was doing this for a charity I feel passionate about, Hire A Hero, I wanted to push myself as far as possible.  So 10km it was!

It’s been nearly eight years since I left the army and pushed myself beyond limits, so I was hoping the good old army determination was still engrained in me to get me through the entire course.  In total there were 24 obstacles ranging from log, tyre and sand bag carry’s to cargo nets, monkey bars and giant water slides.  There must have been over 300 people taking part, some for different charities, some who did this sort of thing as a hobby, and some just fancying something different for a day out.

I’ll be honest, after the first 5km I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew. I hadn’t trained and was just hoping on getting through with complete stubbornness and grit… somehow, this approach worked.  I managed to haul myself over the walls, continue running with the tyres, sand bags and logs and make it up the giant rope obstacle even though I had nothing left in my arms whatsoever.

You see the charity I decided to support are very close to my heart and that is the single most important thing that kept me going.

“Hire a Hero is a charity that provides much needed support to veterans and service leavers as they make the transition to civilian life.”

They provide volunteer career coaches who can support you through uncertain times with their unique expertise.  The charity also has links to mental health support, housing support and employment support.  They are committed to doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to make the meaningful transition from military to civilian life.

The week before the challenge I had already surpassed my initial fundraising target with huge support from friends and family.

“On the day of the actual event, Hart matched what I had already raised which took the total amount past the £1000 mark – it was incredible.”

I continue to support Hire a Hero in my spare time and if any veteran or service leaver reading this could do with some support, or knows someone that could do with some support, then please visit the Hire a Hero site for more information www.hireahero.org.uk

I now have my next challenge ahead of me, an inflatable obstacle course taking place in June and this time have decided to raise funds for The Warrior Programme, another amazing charity that provides a free transformational, motivation and educational course for veterans and their families.

If you would like to sponsor me for this next event then please click the following link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kimberley-ewart1