Former soldier honours Armistice Day and raises all-important funds
JAGUAR Land Rover employee and former solider Mike Burton walked 11 km a day for 11 days wearing an 11 kg weighted vest to raise money for two Armed Forces charities.
Mike, who served in the Royal Lancers regiment for 15 years before joining JLR, took on the challenge after discovering so many ex-services’ charities were struggling for funds because of the coronavirus pandemic.
His challenge began on November 1 and ended on November 11 – Armistice Day. As Mike was at work during most of the challenge, he wore the equivalent of a combat armour suit during his shifts to walk the bulk of his 11 km daily target. Over those 11 days he was joined by colleagues from the Halewood plant, who also walked, as well as ran and cycled distances in multiples of 11.
Mike chose to fundraise for Mission Motorsport, which helps the recovery and rehabilitation of veterans like him by providing opportunities through motorsport and the automotive industry, and the Royal British Legion.
Mike, jointing engineer of eight years, said: “I experienced first-hand just how important these services are when I was injured with the army and medically discharged – they were a lifeline to me. These charities offer veterans the chance of a positive and bright future, which is why I still volunteer as much as I can to help others going through what I did.”
At the time of writing he raised a total of £2135.43 (plus gift aid), and you can still donate by pointing your browser to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showrofundraiserpage?userurl=jlrhalewood&pageurl=1&isteam=true.