Golden Valley Jim places the ‘fun’ in fundraising for SSAFA!

Jim Hamilton, a self-confessed adrenaline junkie and someday rock guitarist, of Gloucestershire is working the London Marathon for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Jim (48) is the Operations Director of CDS Defence & Security (CDS DS), primarily based in Cheltenham, and has been coaching forward of the Marathon going down on April 27, however has put that on maintain for the most effective of causes: a fortnight’s vacation in Jamaica to have a good time the twenty fifth anniversary of his marriage to I-Lan.

Although Jim, he lives within the Golden Valley between Stroud and Cirencester, has not served, each his father and grandfather – affectionately generally known as “Pap” – did, and each within the Scots Guards.

“Pap”, started Jim, “took part in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. He was badly wounded, but survived, though the rest of his battalion died.”

“When Pap was injured, he was in constant correspondence with his wife, my granny, and I have copies of all his hand-written letters. They are utterly tear-jerking.”

Jim and CDS DS are not any strangers to fundraising. He accomplished a 50-mile fundraising run within the time of Covid, and CDS DS has chosen SSAFA as its firm charity to help to lift funds for. Other, seasonal fundraising occasions embody competitions to design the most effective Easter eggs and to carve the most effective pumpkin for Hallowe’en, a Christmas enjoyable run, cake gross sales, and plenty of different pleasing occasions.

Jim is a person of many skills and pursuits, and mentioned:

“I really like sport, and working is the one time I get head area. I play guitar – heavy rock, blues, and rock – and just lately began having guitar classes after stopping in my teenagers.

“I really like being silly and embarrassing my youngsters, although they’re 19 and 21, and I’m a little bit of an adrenaline junky and have completed bungy jumps, cliff diving, that form of factor.

“That’s probably a big reason I had to have neck surgery a few years ago, but that won’t stop me continuing to be stupid though.”

He added that CDS DS employs round 200 folks and famous that about 60% – 70% of its workforce are both veterans or reservists.

“CDS DS has a long-standing tradition and commitment to the supporting the Armed Forces alongside SSAFA and we proudly hold the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award,” mentioned Jim.

He concluded:

 “I’m actually wanting ahead the day, which might be my first time doing the London Marathon.

“Everyone tells me that it’s an amazing day with an incredible atmosphere, but more than that I’m honoured to have the opportunity to raise money for SSAFA and do my little bit for those who serve, have served, and will serve – and for their families.”

Jim has goal of £2,500 to lift for SSAFA. To assist him attain – and beat – his goal, comply with the hyperlink to his fundraising web page here.