Financial specialist Owen Ross Whelan (B.Comm 1995) is trading up from figures to foot racing in April 2016 to raise funds for Veterans Aid.
He’s taking on the legendary ‘Marathon des Sables‘ for the charity that has inspired him and is already in training for what has been described as “the toughest footrace on earth”.
Participants in the grueling multi-day ‘ultra-marathon’ have to carry their own supplies and survival equipment across 156 miles of Africa’s Sahara desert – where temperatures can soar to 50C. The six-stage challenge features a non-stop phase over 75 kilometers and is known for testing participants to their limits.
No stranger to physical challenges Ross has already participated in a number of one-day ‘ultra marathons’ and mountain ascents, including the iconic Mont Blanc.
CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said, “I’m continually surprised by the things people do to support this charity and can’t thank Ross enough for what he is undertaking. It is quite literally, awesome! Every donation is valued, but when people put themselves through such punishing ordeals to raise money for us, we can only salute and thank them.”
Ross said of the MdS, “Without a doubt there is something very exciting about participating in a race where you are tested both physically and mentally in one of the most unforgiving and relentless environments the planet has to offer. It is about pushing yourself to the limit and then somehow digging deep to find that little bit extra. This race will undoubtedly take me well beyond my limits, but I feel it comes nowhere near the scale of the challenges faced by some of our servicemen on a daily basis.”
“I’m doing this for Veterans Aid because the care, support and work it does in transforming the lives of ex-servicemen and women in crisis is amazing. The impact that this charity has had, just last year alone, is inspirational. But there’s still more to be done and hopefully my participation in this event will go some way towards raising awareness and encouraging extra support for the charity’s work.”
The MdS takes place in April, but Ross’s preparations have already begun. “The next four months of training are going to be intense but with such an amazing support network behind me I’m thoroughly looking forward to the challenge.”
For further information about the event, Ross’s training, or the work of Veterans Aid see:
Ross Whelan: [e-mail: rosswhelan@yahoo.com / mobile: 07595076300
Ross Whelan is an award winning and highly skilled compliance and internal audit specialist with over 16 years’ experience in the financial services sector having worked for a number of leading Global Institutions and is a regular speaker/contributor to several professional forums. Aside from his work in financial services, he develops bespoke corporate team building events which draw upon his love of the outdoors and work as a motivational coach. Ross is also active with the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme as a business mentor, a role in which he supports and motivates young entrepreneurs in London
Veterans Aid: Contact Glyn Strong on 07806 920087 or media@veterans-aid.net.
See also www.veterans-aid.net
