Cybersecurity specialist Scott Cruickshanks ran the 2022 TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for SSAFA, which helped his father when Scott was just a boy.

Over 20 years in the Royal Marines did not prepare Scott’s father for the irregular nature of civilian life. Soon after leaving the forces, he was made redundant from his job. The financial pressure of paying for housing and looking after the children while unemployed was causing great distress. This is when he turned to SSAFA. Scott’s father was so inspired by the help he received from the charity that he went on to become a volunteer caseworker himself.

Scott said: "Because my father volunteered as a case worker in the past, I know that any money raised will be well spent by SSAFA.

"Seeing my family at the SSAFA cheerpoint around the 25-mile mark knowing I was going to finish in just a mile's time was an unparalleled moment that made all the early morning and long Sunday runs more than worth it and raising money for SSAFA is me giving back to the charity that helped my family when I was a child."

Scott is also a Royal Naval Reservist and pledged his ‘Bounty’ (an annual commitment bonus given to Reservists who have completed their mandatory training tests and annual training commitments) to SSAFA in order to be able to compete for them in the London Marathon. Scott is a SSAFA hero.

SSAFA highly appreciates commitment like Scott’s. His fundraising helps to support our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in times of need. SSAFA runs a wide range of services, from mentoring service leavers' transitions into civilian life to providing food vouchers for veterans in need. At every step of a service person’s life, we are there to give them support if they need it.

Can YOU be a SSAFA hero? To run for SSAFA you do not need to have a connection to the military – a desire to help raise funds for us, a willingness to train and a determination to put one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles around London for a good cause is a great place to start!

SSAFA supports all of its runners throughout their training and fundraising journeys. We have a dedicated team to give you advice on how to use your local media, set up fundraising pages and what fundraising ideas might work for you in the run-up to the event.

You'll also receive:

• a personalised SSAFA running vest
• a training day in 2023 with marathon running experts
• support before, during and after your 26.2-mile run from our dedicated team on the ground
• access to our exclusive Team SSAFA Facebook group that includes a trained running coach
• two brilliant cheer squads on the day
• a post-marathon reception near the Finish Line with all your friends and family

To sign up to run for SSAFA at the 2023 TCS London Marathon, click here.