A man from Edinburgh who was inspired to help wounded, injured, and sick service personnel is now approaching a new fundraising milestone. Mark Barclay has raised nearly £40,000 for Help for Heroes – and he’s determined to raise even more for veterans across the country.
Mark, 53, met veterans when working in military affiliated organisations, and started to host and enter multiple charity events in aid of Help for Heroes. He said: “It didn’t take anything major to become a fundraiser. Some of my family were in the military, but I have no experience of being in the Armed Forces. The clincher to helping Veterans was seeing some of the guys and girls coming back from war, in particularly the recent couple of conflicts.”
Mark’s first impact was when he created a charity page in 2009, and in the events since he has raised more than £39,000, only £1,000 short of his £40,000 target.
Some of the highlights have included the 2015 Glasgow Half Marathon, where the 53-year-old raised £3,500, collecting £907 from a Waitrose in Berkshire, and Thales Aerospace UK handing over £1,400.
But for Mark, the best, and most humorous event took place during a karaoke. He explained: “There were two American couples, and they asked me how much I was charging to sing Neil Diamond. I said £20, and then one of the couples said they would give £50 if I didn’t sing it and ruin the song!”
For all his fundraising achievements, Mark has urged the public to remember that wounds aren’t always physical, and many ex-servicemen suffer from hidden wounds after leaving the forces.
“It is not just about what you see, there are many Veterans who have mental difficulties, and the money raised will go towards helping those in need. A few years ago, it seemed like there was a lack of support, but with Help for Heroes they are now receiving the right care.”
If you would like to sponsor Mark on his fundraising quest, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/mb64h4h
Or for more information on Help for Heroes, visit: helpforheroes.org.uk/
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