Investment firm supports Army ultra runner

A significant donation has been given to an Army ultra marathon runner who tackled the Yukon Arctic Ultra which saw him race through -40 C temperatures, covering 200km in just two days whilst pulling 45kg of equipment. 

The donation has been made by The Richardson Brothers Foundation to The Mercian Regiment Benevolent Fund, in recognition of the fundraising efforts of 2Lt Charlie Hubbard who has recently completed two ultra marathons.

Only five competitors finished this extreme race, with Charlie coming in second, behind an experienced endurance athlete.

Once thawed out, Charlie then headed off to Africa to run the famous Marathon des Sables, a 250km race spread over six days in the Moroccan desert.

2Lt Hubbard used publicity around his adventures in the Arctic and Sahara to raise funds and awareness for two charities, The Mercian Regiment Benevolent Fund and The Oddballs Foundation, which raises awareness of testicular cancer.

Charlie, 23, initially joined the Officers’ Training Corps while studying politics and international relations at the University of Birmingham.  

He subsequently transferred to 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, which recently appointed Carl Richardson as Honorary Colonel.  

The Richardson Brothers Foundation cheque was presented to 2Lt Hubbard at its Black Country HQ by Carl and Martyn Richardson, continuing a long history of support to all branches of the military.

Carl Richardson said: “2Lt Hubbard demonstrated remarkable physical and mental fortitude in completing these two ultra marathons, and certainly possesses the strength of character for which The Mercian Regiment is well known. 

“He is an outstanding young man who represents the very best of the British Army.  

“Our Foundation was delighted to support his fundraising efforts, and we wish him well in the next stages of his military career.”

Charlie Hubbard said: “I would like to thank the Richardson Brothers Foundation for their generous donation towards my fundraising campaign and helping me to reach my goal.

“All funds raised go directly to the The Mercian Benevolent Fund which enables them to continue to support and provide relief to past and present members of the regiment.”

Click here to donate to Charlie’s fundraising page.

Charlie will now head to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst to embark on his Regular Commissioning course.

 Pictured: Charlie Hubbard (centre) with Carl and Martyn Richardson