Military wife running marathon to mark the end of an era

01 March 2024

Nat Haynes, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, is running the London Marathon for SSAFA in April, to celebrate 14 years of being “married to the military”

Nat has wanted to run the London Marathon for the last 13 years, applying for ballot places, but being unsuccessful. When she heard that SSAFA had accepted her as a runner she was delighted.

Nat said: “The London Marathon has been in my sights for years, but it is particularly poignant that I am running it this year for SSAFA as my husband is leaving the RAF and I want to give something back after so many years of being a service family.”

Nat’s husband, Russ, has been in the RAF for 14 years and is transitioning out of the service this year. When service people move into civilian life it can be a difficult time. From leaving military housing, doctors, and schools, to getting used to the difference in workplace cultures, so many things can feel like a challenge. SSAFA runs a Mentoring Service to assist military families who might be struggling with the changes that happen as they move on. 

Nat and Russ have just moved to the area, so Nat is using her training for the race to get to know all the best trails.

Nat said: “Although moving house in the middle of training was difficult, it is great to finally be in our own home. I have also found some really lovely places to run. Loads of friends and family coming to London to cheer me on and that helps to motivate me even more.”

Nat also works for Defence Relationship Management encouraging businesses to support the Armed Forces Covenant, which is yet another reason why she knew that raising money for SSAFA was a perfect fit for her.