Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton will be the start line for this year’s Yeovil Marathon the brainchild of a serving Petty Officer from the station.
Petty Officer (PO) Bryn Phiips has suffered with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) since early February 2014 when he was diagnosed following a traumatic incident en-route to a deployment in Afghanistan.
One of PO Philips (37) coping mechanisms following the incident and throughout his tour became running and alongside the support of his work colleagues and his family he decided he wanted a focus and give something back to the Charities that help people in similar situations.
PO Philips said:“I started to form the idea of giving something to the Charities that have helped others in my position, but also those that have a direct link to me.
“I have a love for running and competing and cover distances from 5k to Marathon.
“I am a member of the local running group, Yeovil Town Road Running Group.
The running club host a number of races throughout the year and I wanted to do something for Charity and add a new race to the Clubs portfolio, I chose to create the first Yeovil Marathon last year.
“I chose the route and the charities, but the real drive behind organising the event was to keep me focused and to have a goal to work towards, especially during the initial days out in Afghanistan.”
Yeovil Marathon 2016 will be supporting RNRMC (Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity) and Yeovilton Military Wives Choir part of the Military Wives Choir Foundation.
PO Philips added; “At 26.2 miles the Yeovil Marathon on 12 June 2016 is in itself a challenge as is every day coping with PTSD.
“I am one of the lucky ones that have a very supportive family but I have also received some first rate treatment that has enabled me to get better. This is my way of giving something back.”
Entries for Yeovil Marathon close on 1 June 2016 so there’s still time to lace up those running shoes and be at the Nuffield Sports Pavilion from 0730 on Sunday 12 June 2016.
Opening proceedings, PO Sean Gaffney, serving at RNAS Yeovilton and winner of 4 Invictus Games Medals this month in Orlando and Steve Edwards a man on a mission to complete 1000 marathons! Yeovil will be Steve’s 732nd!
Good luck to all those taking part.
