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Martin Group Employees run for Veterans

Damian Saunders, from HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd and Alan Bell from sister company HW Martin (Safety Fencing) Ltd are running 13.1 miles in support of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

Martin Group Employees run for Veterans

25/07/2022

Damian Saunders, from HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd and Alan Bell from sister company HW Martin (Safety Fencing) Ltd are running 13.1 miles in support of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

The pair are taking on the Great North Run, the second largest half marathon in the world.

On 11th September 2022, they will join 57,000 other dedicated runners at this iconic sporting event.

Damian, a Traffic Management Foreman from the company’s depot in Blackwell, Derbyshire uses running to improve his wellbeing. He is considered an “upcoming talent and inspiration” at his local running club, the Belper Harriers. He said:

“I love to run, and Great North Run is a well-known event that’s been on my bucket list for a while. And it’s giving me the opportunity to give something back by representing such a good cause. It gives you that extra drive knowing you are doing it for them.”

Alan, Estimator/Quantity Surveyor for HW Martin (Safety Fencing) Ltd is based in Tormarton. He has been running since 2019 when he ran his first 10k on behalf of Dexter’s Odyssey, a charity close to his heart. He said:

“The Great North Run is one of the most famous races in the UK and offers the next challenge in my running journey. I have many ex-military friends, one of whom was severely injured serving in Iraq when he was just 18 years old. His life was irreparably changed due to his injuries, so running for the RBLI was a no brainer.” 

The Great North Run will return to its original route this year, following disruption caused by the pandemic traversing the streets of Newcastle City Centre.

The opportunity to participate was provided by the RBLI who invited employees from the traffic management expert and its sister company to take advantage of some fully-funded places and the chance to run on behalf of veterans across the country.

What is the RBLI?

The pair are raising money for RBLI, a charity that provides a home to more than 300 veterans and their families through its Kent village, including homeless veterans through their emergency accommodation facilities. At the heart of the village is the charity’s social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, which provides employment opportunities to veterans and people with disabilities.

All veterans living on the village are provided with a tailored welfare and support programme to help them regain their independence and overcome challenges caused by physical or mental disability, drug or alcohol dependency, and unemployment.

Every penny raised by Alan and Damian will go directly to RBLI’s wide range of services providing a home, welfare and employment support to military veterans.

HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd has been working with RBLI since 2020. They are one of the company’s preferred suppliers for temporary traffic management signs. The work that the RBLI does holds great significance to many of the company’s employees.

To support Damian as he fundraises for RBLI go to his JustGiving page by clicking here. To support Alan go to his JustGiving page by clicking here.

Find out more about the vital work RBLI does to support the nations heroes by clicking here.