Care home residents across Lincolnshire are being urged to get moving together to support former armed forces members. The Great North Run Care Home Challenge encourages teams to work together to complete a total distance of 13.1 miles, the equivalent of a half marathon.
A joint effort for veterans
The effort is backed by the Lincolnshire Care Association and charity Veterans for Veterans in Care. Organisers hope the challenge will help raise vital awareness for the 26,000 military veterans living in care across the UK.
Participants can complete their miles between September 7 and September 13 using any form of exercise they enjoy. Options range from gentle walks in the garden and laps of the corridors to hand cycling in the local community.
Improving wellbeing and community spirit
The initiative aims to improve wellbeing while bringing local communities together to honour former service members. Money raised through donations will allow the charity to continue locating and supporting isolated veterans.
Veterans for Veterans in Care works to find ex-service personnel in care homes and reconnect them with the military community. The team offers companionship, listens to their stories, and ensures they receive the recognition they have earned.
Charity chairman thanks supporters
John Hambling, chairman of Veterans for Veterans in Care, said: “Working with the Lincolnshire Care Association will help Veterans for Veterans in Care reach more veterans and their carers far more quickly than doing it on our own.” He added: “On behalf of our veterans I would like to say thank you for your help and support.”
The Great North Run legacy
The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, created in 1981 by former Olympic runner Brendan Foster. It usually attracts more than 60,000 runners to the North East of England every year.
People interested in taking part can sign up online to join the fundraising challenge. Registration is open on the official website at https://vfvic.co.uk/fundraising/great-north-run-2026/.
