Even though January is nearly behind us, there is still plenty of time to set your New Year resolutions and take on a fundraising challenge, big or small.
Across the country, we bring people together in support of one shared cause: the Army family. From curry lunches to iconic road races, pub quizzes to skydives, our events offer something for everyone, whether you are joining solo or teaming up with friends.
To spark some inspiration, we are shining a spotlight on three of our fundraisers. Read on to discover their stories and find out how they are getting involved in our 2026 events.
Shaun:
For Shaun, choosing to fundraise for the Army Benevolent Fund was not a passing decision—it was instinctive. When he finally decided he’d take on the London Marathon, he always knew it would be for an Army charity. “I grew up in the Army,” he said. “It’s part of who I am. Even though we’ve never needed ABF’s help, that can change in an instant. Supporting the Army community just felt right.”
A couple of years ago, Shaun committed to changing his lifestyle and losing weight. He quit drinking, started going to the gym, and created a consistent daily calorie deficit. The results were staggering: seven stone lost in seven months. Since then, Shaun discovered a newfound love of running, which became more than a tool for burning calories.
Shaun is looking forward to running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for the ABF and experiencing the atmosphere, the crowds and the sense of achievement that comes from ticking off a true bucket‑list goal.
Philippa:
Philippa joined our Army of fundraisers years ago when she first took on the Frontline Walk – Western Front. Since then, she has completed several walks, including the Normandy route, and even took part in the virtual event during Covid, finishing that walk at her local village war memorial alongside her 2‑year‑old granddaughter.
Through her dedication to the Frontline Walk events, Philippa has now raised over £10,000 for the ABF. She had originally planned for 2025 to be her final year, until she heard about our new route, the Home Front. The opportunity to revisit Sandhurst, where her son graduated, made signing up an easy decision.
This 12‑mile route begins at Sandhurst and ends at the moving Brookwood Military Cemetery. Along the way, walkers follow in the footsteps of those who served, trained, and sacrificed to defend our nation, past and present.
Philippa is now eagerly looking forward to taking on the challenge on 14 March, reconnecting with the ABF family she has grown close to over the years and discovering more about the rich local history.
Paul:
After 25 years of service with the Scots Guards, Paul is taking on this year’s Cateran Yomp with a powerful sense of purpose. The 54‑mile trek across the Blairgowrie hills, completed within 24 hours, is one of our flagship challenges, and for Paul it is far more than an endurance test. “I signed up for the Yomp to help my brothers and sisters in arms. It is a great challenge for me, a great project,” he says.
Although Paul is entering as a solo participant, he is looking forward to joining different groups along the route, embracing the camaraderie and shared determination that define the Yomp experience. Walking alongside fellow fundraisers feels like a natural extension of the military family he was part of for more than two decades.
As he prepares for the challenge this June, Paul’s motivation remains simple and heartfelt: to support those who have served and continue to serve.
Join our fundraisers and start your journey
Our fundraisers play a vital role in enabling us to support soldiers, veterans, and their families. Every individual we help, whether through personal grants or through the charities and organisations we fund, is a testament to the dedication and spirit of our incredible Army of fundraisers.
If you are ready to make a difference, browse our events today and begin your fundraising journey with us. Your support truly changes lives.