RAF serviceman begins challenge for Suffolk Mind
The flight sergeant is joining other service members to cover over 2,200 miles to Lapland
Last updated 1st Dec 2020
The 12 days of Christmas virtual challenge is taking place between 1st and 13th December to raise money for the RAF Association, and Declan O'Keeffe is also using it as a chance to raise funds for Suffolk Mind.
It will involve service members each travelling over 100 miles by walking, running, cycling, rowing, or even dancing to help a virtual Santa Claus get to Lapland before Christmas.
The flight sergeant, based at RAF Honington in Suffolk, explained why he has chose to support Suffolk Mind: "I volunteer for the Suffolk Night Owls telephone support line as I have had experience of mental health issues myself.
"Recently I have had friends that have taken their own lives because they were struggling and did not know who to turn to for help. I want to help people in a similar situation where all they need is to talk to somebody."
Declan also carried out a wheelchair marathon with an ex-serviceman in September where he raised £150 for Suffolk Mind via a JustGiving page, which he has kept open and will be using for his latest efforts.
Lizzy Tuthill, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Suffolk Mind, said: "This fundraising event sounds so exciting, and a great idea in the run up to Christmas.
"The fact that Declan not only volunteers for us but fundraises for us too is fantastic. People like Declan help us in our mission of making Suffolk the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health."
You can support Declan via his JustGiving page.