The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) relies on the generosity of our supporters to provide a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their families.
Many people raise vital funds by taking part in one of hundreds of ABF events or activities around the UK. Others organise their own challenge, like this month’s inspiring guest on the ABF podcast, General Talk – Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Dan Cope of the Welsh Guards and the Academy Sergeant Major (AcSM), Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
WO1 (AcSM) Dan Cope has committed to complete at least one running event each month for a year to raise £15,000 for the ABF, clocking up just shy of 300 miles to support soldiers, veterans and their families. Now, in his final term as the Academy Sergeant Major at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, before being commissioned, he joins host, Harry Bucknall, to talk about ‘Dan’s Running Challenge’, and what it takes to become one of the Army’s senior soldiers.
Dan shares why he supports the ABF in the podcast: “I’ve seen first-hand how they’ve helped close friends of mine, whether they be serving soldiers or veterans, or even their families in their time of need. So, I was keen to give back, and I’m very keen on my fitness, and wanted to be challenged.”
A proud Welshman and Cardiff City fan, Dan began his challenge last October at the capital’s half-marathon. With five events under his belt, Dan is preparing for his biggest test yet – the Brecon to Cardiff Ultra Marathon in February. He will return home to complete the last leg of his challenge at the 2025 Cardiff Half, surrounded by friends and family.
Dan’s goal for the year is to raise £15,000. He says: “In this day and age, with a lot of people struggling financially, it’s tough to ask people to give, but the support I’ve received so far has been amazing.”
Despite juggling family life, his training and a very busy job, Dan relishes the routine his challenge brings: “The events give me a reason to train day in, day out. Raising as much money as possible and bringing awareness to the charity is the most important thing.“
Reflecting on the Academy Sergeant Major’s distinguished military service, Harry and Dan discuss how his career was forged by the tragic events of 9th September 2001. Dan pays tribute to a command officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thornelow, of the 1st Battalion Operations in Afghanistan, who was killed by an IED. “He embodied everything there was to be a good leader,” says Dan.
Explaining his own leadership role as Academy Sergeant Major at Sandhurst, WO1 Cope says his biggest priority is, “…to coach, mentor, support, not just the cadets, but the permanent staff. The officer cadets are amazing. They’re so diverse in many ways, coming from so many different backgrounds and they bring so much to Sandhurst.”
In May, Dan leaves his role as Academy Sergeant Major for a commission, another new challenge. He concludes: “The passion I’ve got for the Army hasn’t changed, and I think I’ve got a lot to offer, but also a lot to learn, but it’s challenge I’m really excited about.”
You can follow the progress of Dan’s Running Challenge on Facebook, X and Instagram at @DanCope25. Visit his Just Giving page to support his incredible efforts in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.
Thanks to the Academy Sergeant Major, WO1 Dan Cope of the Welsh Guards, for being our guest on this edition of General Talk.