Armed Forces Community HQ is calling on the public to support Army veteran Richy Thrower as he takes on an extraordinary 36-mile endurance challenge to raise funds for our Emergency Welfare Fund.
On the evening of 23 July at 9:00pm, Richy will set off from Crewe, carrying a 25kg backpack containing all of his food, water and essential kit. He will walk through the night with one goal in mind, arriving at Molyneux House in Wigan at approximately 11.00am on Thursday 24 July, just in time for our weekly Friday NAFFI Breakfast.
As a veteran himself, Richy understands that life after service isn’t always easy. Too many veterans and members of the Armed Forces community find themselves facing unexpected financial hardship, homelessness, food insecurity or other emergencies where immediate support can make all the difference.
That’s why Richy has chosen to raise money for our Emergency Welfare Fund.
Last year alone, Armed Forces Community HQ spent more than £35,000 providing urgent welfare support to vulnerable members of the Armed Forces community. That funding enabled us to provide emergency accommodation, food parcels and supermarket vouchers, essential clothing, household appliances, travel costs for urgent medical appointments and crisis grants for those with nowhere else to turn.
Our welfare fund allows us to respond immediately when someone reaches out in crisis. Every donation helps ensure we can continue providing fast, practical support when it matters most.
Richy’s challenge is more than just a long-distance walk, it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, determination and camaraderie that define the Armed Forces community. Every mile he walks represents our commitment to ensuring that no veteran should ever face welfare needs alone.
How You Can Help
There are two fantastic ways you can support Richy and our Emergency Welfare Fund:
- Donate to Richy’s fundraiser. Every pound raised will go directly towards providing emergency welfare support for veterans and members of the Armed Forces community when they need it most.
- Join us on Thursday 24 July to give Richy the welcome he deserves. We would love to see as many supporters, veterans, families and members of the local community as possible at Armed Forces Community HQ to cheer him across the finish line after his incredible overnight challenge.
Your support, whether through a donation, sharing the fundraiser, or simply being there to welcome Richy home, will help make a real difference to those who have served our country.
Together, we can ensure that when a veteran needs help, we’re ready to answer that call.
No Veteran Should Face Welfare Needs Alone.