Mark Marshallsay is embarking on a 24-hour treadmill challenge to raise money for the Police Treatment Centres.
The General Secretary of BTP Federation is a trustee of the charity which provides police-specific treatment and support for mental and physical injuries, helping officers recover and return to work sooner.
Mark's challenge comes ahead of the Police Treatment Centres' spring fundraiser, The Big Step Challenge. He will begin walking at 10am on Wednesday 3 May and aims to walk approximately 80 miles in the twenty-four hours that follow.
"As a trustee of the Police Treatment Centres I know how much money has to be raised each year to provide the life-changing treatment and support that makes such a huge difference to ill and injured officers. So, I had to do something special - something challenging - to capture people's attention and encourage them to dig deep to support this unique charity."
Mark's training programme is well underway. He is currently walking outdoors or on a treadmill when he can for around two hours at a time, walking at a pace of four miles an hour. A regular runner, Mark is more concerned about the mental impact of the fundraiser than the effects on his body.
"This is a very physical challenge," Mark said. "But I think the monotony of walking in the same environment for that long will also be difficult. I'll have a small support team with me from the Federation, but it would be nice to see a few more friendly faces as I clock up the miles."
A second treadmill will be set up so patients, staff, fellow trustees, and guests can walk alongside Mark at the St Andrews centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Mark aims to raise at least £1500 for the Police Treatment Centres. You can sponsor him and leave a message of encouragement here https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-marshallsay-1678787667289
Stepping up to the challenge for ill and injured colleagues
