Clare Kelly crossed the finishing line of the London Marathon on Sunday, 19 years after her first application. Running through the rain, she was determined to finish and raise as much money as she could for our charity. 

Crushing blow

Clare was scheduled to run the London marathon in October 2022 but injured her calf two weeks before the race. She was forced to pull-out after months of gruelling training, deferring her entry to 2023.

Clare explains: “I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to pull out of last year’s race. However, it has all worked out for the best. I’ve ended up raising even more money for Little Troopers in the last six months. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated and helped me smash my target. Little Troopers has really helped us as a family, as well as the children of some of our friends. It was a real privilege to represent them at the marathon.”

The money that Clare has raised will help us continue our work providing support to children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces. Clare has raised over £1,100 so far and you can still donate here. 

Support for Clare’s family

Clare chose to support our charity as her husband Nick serves in the Royal Navy at HMS Sultan. They have a son, Joshua and have used lots of our resources, like the Separation pack, when Nick has been deployed overseas or away on military exercise.

Clare, said “Little Troopers are a wonderful, small charity that support children with a parent(s) serving in the British Armed Forces. I have used so many of their resources for my little trooper when Nick is away and they’ve helped so so much. I’m happy to give something back.”

Thank you

Louise our charity founder comments: “Well done Clare! We are a small charity with a big heart. Its thanks to the support of people like Clare that we can continue to make sure that all our military children feel recognised and have somewhere to turn whenever they need support and wherever they are in the world. The amount Clare has raised will make a big difference to our charity. A huge thank you from us and all the little troopers out there!”

If you would like to organise your own challenge event to raise money for Little Troopers, we have lots of ideas and resources to help you, click here.