Afton Sperry takes on monthly half marathons for SSAFA Fife

03 October 2024

From September 2024 to May 2025, Afton Sperry is taking on a formidable challenge—running a half marathon each month, finishing with the Edinburgh Marathon in May. Her goal is to raise both funds and awareness for SSAFA Fife, the local branch of the Armed Forces charity that provides vital support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Inspired by her stepdad, Jim Cook, the newly appointed Chair of SSAFA Fife, Afton has committed to this year-long journey to give back to the community she now calls home after relocating to Fife in May 2024.

"You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, and you're capable of more than you think," Afton shares, highlighting the mental and physical determination behind her effort.

Afton's half marathon schedule includes:

• 22 September 2024– Winchester Half Marathon
• 27 October 2024– Nottingham Half Marathon
• 23 November 2024– Edinburgh Half Marathon
• 15 December 2024– Windsor Half Marathon
• 5 January 2025– Milton Keynes Half Marathon
• 2 February 2025– Warwick Half Marathon
• 2 March 2025– Brighton Half Marathon
• 13 April 2025– Kent Half Marathon
• 25 May 2025– Edinburgh Full Marathon

When asked about her motivation, Afton credits SSAFA Fife’s important work: “Seeing the difference SSAFA makes to the Armed Forces community inspired me to take this on. I want to raise awareness, so more people in need can access the support SSAFA offers."