A member of a well-known Perthshire military family will undertake “the biggest physical challenge of his life” this weekend to raise cash for ex-service personnel.
Andrew Riddell, whose father served with The Black Watch for more than 30 years, is preparing to run the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
It will be the 20-year-old’s first marathon, but he says he is going to push himself to the limit in the knowledge every single stride will make a difference.
Growing up surrounded by members of the armed forces, Andrew understands the hardships they face both on and off the battlefield.
His paternal great-grandfather, Major James Riddell, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the first world war.
His paternal grandfather, Captain Michael Riddell, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the second world war from 1940 to 1947 and his maternal grandfather, Captain Patrick Brown, served with the Cameron Highlanders from 1948 to 1959.
His father, Lieutenant Colonel Roddy Riddell, served with The Black Watch from 1973 to 2005 and remains regimental secretary.
Cousin Jamie Riddell also served with the battalion from 1999 until 2005, and brother-in-law Captain Harry Gladstone is currently serving with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland in Fort George.
Capt Gladstone is currently preparing to return to Afghanistan.
Uncles on both sides of the family also served with the Parachute Regiment, the Royal Marines, the Royal Army Medical Corps and The Black Watch.Charity’s ‘vital work’Newcastle University student Andrew returned to his Crieff home last week to step up distance training, rally further sponsorship and get a final pep talk from his father.
He has already raised more than £3000 twice his initial target and hopes to reach £4000 before the week is out.
He told The Courier, “I want to raise as much money as possible to give something back to the brave men and women who risk their lives to serve their country.
“I know it’s going to be really tough, but my reasons for doing it will keep me going.
“Friends and family have promised to double their sponsorship if I finish ahead of my three-and-a-half hour target time I’m determined to do it.”
He added, “I chose ABF The Soldiers’ Charity because of the vital work it does.
“Since 1915, four generations of my family have served in the armed forces and I have heard many stories of just how challenging it can be.Parents’ pride”I fully understand the importance of supporting troops when they return home both financially and physically.
“The charity ensures soldiers and their families are looked after for the rest of their lives, which is so important.”
Andrew said, “For example, it recently made the home of a wounded ex-serviceman wheelchair accessible to ensure he can live as normal a life as possible.
“In another case, it paid for a serving soldier’s disabled child to attend a residential care facility a few days a week, benefiting the whole family.
“In 2010 the charity made 4000 grants to individuals and other military charities and it needs to raise £14 million a year by 2015 to help meet the support of those who have been injured in the current conflicts.”
Andrew’s parents are making the trip down to the London to cheer him on.
His father said, “We are very proud of him. He has been so committed to his training sessions, racking up over 300 miles, and has already raised an incredible amount of money.”
You can donate to Andrew online.