RAF Brize Norton aviator runs 255km to honour British soldiers lost in Falklands War
The challenge comes after his own experience serving in the Falkland Islands
An RAF Brize Norton aviator is running 255km throughout June to honour soldiers who lost their lives during the Falklands War and to raise money for charity.
Corporal Louis Blanshard, an RAF police officer based at the Oxfordshire air mobility hub, is completing 8.5km every day - covering more than six marathons in total.
The challenge marks the 255 British service personnel who died in the conflict in 1982 and is being used as a personal act of remembrance alongside fundraising efforts.
Mr Blanshard said his time serving in the Falkland Islands in 2024–2025 gave him greater appreciation of what the troops would have gone through.
“Getting to experience the weather and the conditions, I think it’s really important that the bravery and sacrifice those soldiers made is highly recognised,” he said.
"It was very cold, windy, wet at times. There's lots of mountains rocky and muddy fields. So what they must've done to conquer that and win the war - I can't even say how challenging it must have been."
He said that while his daily distance is manageable, maintaining momentum throughout the month has been difficult.
“Some days are tough. Most days are perfectly fine and I can get my shoes on and start running,” he said.
“But there are days where there’s no motivation to go out and do another 8.5km. I just keep telling myself this isn’t for me, it’s for a bigger cause.”
The aviator is supporting Walking With The Wounded, a UK charity that helps veterans transition into civilian life by providing employment support, mental health services and rehabilitation.
“It will go towards counselling, helping with job interviews, and even things like providing clothing for interviews,” Mr Blanshard said.
He added that support for veterans and their families remains essential, as serving in the military can have lasting impacts.
“Whatever they’ve dealt with and the sacrifice they’ve made, they deserve that help,” he said.
The challenge is set to finish on 30th June.