24 November 2020
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Former soldier honours Armistice Day and raises all-important funds
Jaguar Land Rover employee and former solider Mike Burton walked 11km a day for 11 days wearing an 11kg 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 1 November 2020 and ended on 11 November 2020 –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 11km daily target.Over those 11 days he was joined by colleagues from the Halewood plant, who also walked, as well as run and cycle distances in multiples of 11.
Mike chose to fundraise forMission 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 give here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=JLRHalewood&pageUrl=1&isTeam=true.
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