A MAN has walked, jogged and run 500 miles to raise money for the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre Appeal at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

Stuart Fowlie has completed the 2018 Ultra Challenge series and the annual Longmynd Hike to raise money for the appeal after his wife, Gaynor, was treated by the Veterans’ Service.

The service is the first of its kind in the UK which provides outpatient clinics to those who have served in the UK military with arthritic lower limb problems.

A £1.5 million appeal has been launched by the Oswestry-based hospital to fund the new Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre which will allow veterans to be treated in a bespoke environment suited to their needs.

The service is run by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, serving officer in the British Army and clinical director of the Veterans Service.

Stuart, from Stafford, said: “I decided to fundraise for the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre Appeal to thank Lt Col Meyer and RJAH – Gaynor had been suffering from a damaged and painful knee, after an injury during her service, for more years than I can remember.

“Thanks to Lt Col Meyer and his team, Gaynor had a total knee replacement and now lives life pain-free again.”

Stuart completed a series of 100km, or longer, challenges over six months to raise money for the appeal.

He took part in; the Isle of Wight challenge, London 2 Brighton, Cotswold Way, Jurassic Coast, Wye Valley, the South Coast challenge and the Thames Path trek before ending his series of events with the Longmynd Hike.

S“The challenges have been both physically and mentally draining with every race being a new learning experience but also a fantastic experience.

“Gaynor has always been my biggest supporter and I couldn’t have completed these challenges without her support. She was at every finish line for me," he said.

“My initial fundraising target was £3,000 however I’m now at over £3,600 – everyone’s generosity has been amazing and both me and Gaynor are extremely grateful to those who donated or supported me in some way.”

Fundraising manager Helen Knight said: “We’re extremely grateful for Stuart’s dedication to raising money for our Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre Appeal.

“The money raised by Stuart and our other Veterans’ Appeal fundraisers will be invested in a dedicated environment for our veteran patients which will be specifically designed to have a familiar military feel to make users more comfortable.”

To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rjah/veterans or call

Helen Knight on 01691 404 588.

Alternatively, email: rjah.fundraising@nhs.net