Walsall mother of injured RAF soldier to run London Marathon
The mother of a RAF soldier who was injured in Afghanistan is set to run the London marathon in aid of Fisher House – a 'home away from home' for military patients and their families.
Nicola Hack, aged 47, from Walsall, has set herself the challenge after her son Ben, 24, received serious damage to his knee ligaments whilst serving in Afghanistan in October 2013.
"Ben was caught up in a suicide car bombing, Mrs Hack said. "He was immediately flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, which treats the UK's military patients, and has thankfully made a full recovery.
"The care at the hospital was outstanding, and the support we received as a family from Fisher House was phenomenal."
Despite having never run before, and only completing her first two miles less than a year ago, she set her mind to the task and has started training in preparation for the 26 mile marathon which takes place on April 26.
She said: "With lots of encouragement from friends and family, I ran my first half marathon in September and have two more booked before April.
"I'm determined to complete the run, and what's more, to raise as much money as I can to give back to the people that helped me and my family."
Ben's wife, Grace, also 24, stayed at Fisher House whilst he was undergoing treatment at the Queen Elizabeth, along with two other families whose sons were also injured in the attack.
She added: "Staff at Fisher House ensured there was always someone on hand to answer questions and help with any concerns we had.
"It was the little things they did that made the difference when our emotions were in turmoil, from making a cup of tea to giving you a shoulder to cry on.
"It was then that I decided to do something to raise money for Fisher House, as I felt so humble."
Ben is undergoing treatment to his injury and has since left the RAF and his now working as a tree surgeon.
Laura Power, Fundraising Officer at QEHB Charity which runs Fisher House, said: "We are incredibly grateful for Nicola's support of Fisher House and we wish her the best of luck for the run.
"Nicola's generous donation will make a huge difference to other families who have a loved one receiving treatment at the hospital."
