Justin Rowe to Run 1000 Miles to Raise Funds and Awareness for Allied Forces Foundation

Justin Rowe to Run 1000 Miles to Raise Funds and Awareness for Allied Forces Foundation

After running to the 215 fire houses in the 5 boroughs of NYC 367 miles in 7 days during 2013, in memory of 343 FDNY firefighters and First Responders that sadly lost their lives during 9/11. I received fantastic support from the public, military veterans & FDNY.

I decided that I would return to the USA for one more fundraising run, so I decided to run a section of the east coast that would be achievable and more importantly safe following the designated Atlantic Coast Cycle Route.

Having witnessed the work Stuart Taylor and the team from AFF carry out to support injured military veterans on both sides of the Atlantic and promoting sport/marathons and Yomps I quickly came to the decision that I would raise money and spread the message of the great work the foundation carry out.

As an ex soldier and serving 21 yrs as a firefighter/watch manager I get great enjoyment from helping people and I enjoy running so I combine both together but I try to to plan & execute endurance runs with a difference to gain maximum publicity and funds for the foundation or charity I am supporting.

During the 2019 US east coast run/route I am going to be kindly hosted with rest & lodgings by various fire depts, I also intend to spread the message of mental health issues within the emergency services. And to be honest I have suffered with PTSD attending traumatic incidents during my service with North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, so I run and I find it great therapy.

I have known Stuart since 1990 whist serving with 59 Commando RE, during 2009 one of my early fundraising runs Stuart kindly provided me with logistical support whilst running from the Cenotaph, London to York 412 miles in 12 days, raising money for Help for Heroes Charity. To that end I said to myself I would one day raise money for Stuarts foundation.

During 2016 I was awarded the BEM British Empire Medal, by HM Queen Elizabeth for services to charity, probably the proudest day. It will be an honour to support Allied Forces Foundation and raise funds and awareness of the fantastic work you carry out supporting injured veterans and their careers.

A big thank you to my sponsors Providence UK and Burley USA for their continual support.

Donations are being accepted at:  www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/justin-rowe/run2DC