Set off for forces kids

CELEBRATING the Month of the Military Child, Little Troopers is calling on runners and families alike to lace up their trainers for a 10K race and family fun run at Aldershot Military Stadium on Sunday April 28.

Led by Raceways Events, the day will kick-start with a closed-road 10K race followed by a 1.5K family fun run for all ages. Little Troopers says there will also be face-painting, crazy golf, circus tricks, balloon modelling, hair-braiding and much more to keep everyone entertained.

Both races are open to the public, with service personnel, military families and veterans all encouraged to take part. Entry to the 10K costs £25 per person or is free for those committed to raising £100 or more for the charity. Entry to the fun run is £5 per family and each child will receive a medal and certificate.

Little Troopers is the only tri-service charity in the UK dedicated to supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces, both regular and reserve.

It says there are estimated to be more than 100,000 military children in the UK who often face unique challenges such as regular separation from their service parent, due to deployment and military commitments, as well as having to move house and school frequently when their service parent moves jobs.

Founded in 2011, Little Troopers works to ensure all military children feel recognised and supported wherever they are living and whenever they need it, particularly during times of challenge and change.

Every penny raised in Aldershot will support the charity’s crucial work, including its Little Troopers at School programme, Little Trooper of the Month award scheme, Little Troopers At Home resources for military families, and the charity’s annual Christmas Smiles campaign.

Louise Fetigan, the founder of Little Troopers, said: “We’re so excited to be holding our first ever race event to raise money for Little Troopers in Aldershot. We decided to host the event in April, which is the Month of the Military Child, making it the perfect time for us to be raising money in support of all the amazing military children in our British Armed Forces community.

“Aldershot has a thriving military community, with lots of other military bases and stations nearby, so we expect it to be a busy day.”

Sam Taylor, events and marketing manager for Raceways Events, said: “Little Troopers is a wonderful charity and we are incredibly proud to be supporting such a worthy cause by organising this event. We are looking forward to seeing an army of runners on the start line.”

For more information and to register, visit www.raceways.org.uk/ aldershot-little-troopers-10k