Hi everyone. It’s our pleasure to introduce Helmeteer Annika.
A senior NCO in the Royal Air Force, Annika is currently serving on detachment in the Middle East and despite the intense heat is determined to take part again this year for her third run for us.
She’ll only be allowed to run if the temperature is below 27 degrees and there are some administrative hoops to go through and some permissions and approvals to get before she can take part but she is determined to do all this so she can help us raise more money for Brain Tumour Support. Here’s why her taking part is so important in her own words:
“I’m Annika and I’m taking part in the Virtual Hilly Helmet event again because I’ve seen the cruelty and devastation that a brain tumour can have on an individual and their family. A close family friend had a brain tumour. I remember experiencing the feeling of helplessness as it slowly stripped this lively, go getting man into something we didn’t recognise. His tumour was inoperable and it was just heart breaking to watch the pain of his family and friends as his health deteriorated.
She continued, “Support charities are so important during this time, helping to support the families, friends and work colleagues in their time of desperate need with counselling and advice both in person via support groups and on the phone. They really helped us and I know they can help others.
When I got to know Robin and he told me his brain tumour story and about The Hilly Helmet Challenge, the event he created to raise funds for Brain Tumour Support, I jumped at the chance to take part. I’m glad I did, I still remember my very first time running in my ice hockey helmet and was amazed and the fantastic inclusive atmosphere. People all dressed up, having a laugh and supporting each other regardless of age or ability, I absolutely loved it.”
I feel privileged to be able to take part despite currently being deployed in the Middle East and especially during these strange times that COVID-19 have brought us.”
Brain Tumour Supports’ mission is to help anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. To be able to do this and help families like ours, they need funding and like many charities currently receive NO government funding at all.
This event is a great way to help while also having fun and spreading awareness, so if you fancy the challenge why not give it a go yourself this year? You can walk or run, you just need to be brave enough to wear a helmet while you do it and send in a picture after, maybe even get a friend to join you for moral support too.”
We’re so pleased to have Annikas’ support and will update you on her run and will report on it as soon as copy and pictures are approved for publicity.
Friends and colleagues are supporting Annika via the just giving page set up for those wishing to donate to the charity via the event. Maybe you have a friend taking part you’d like to show your support for walking or running while wearing a helmet?
You can donate via our page www.justgiving.com/hillyhelmet4 and when donating give them a name check or a good luck message.