In a mission to promote mental health awareness and provide vital support for veterans, NJC, a leading facilities management company, joined forces with RAF personnel to participate in a 25,000-push-up marathon event at Southside Shopping Centre.

On Saturday 4th November, two teams of dedicated individuals went head-to-head to complete 25,000 push-ups in the quickest time – with only one person per team being allowed to perform push-ups at any given time – to raise awareness and funds for Combat Stress.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, the charity has provided vital services to support former servicemen and women overcome issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Each member of the participating teams, driven by their dedication to the cause, achieved an astonishing 4,000 push-ups in a single afternoon. The RAF emerged victorious, completing the formidable push-up challenge in just 4 hours and 55 minutes, showing their remarkable physical and mental endurance.

A total of £1,750 has been raised for the charity from visitors at Southside Shopping Centre. These funds will play a pivotal role in ensuring that veterans receive the support they require to overcome any mental health issues as a result of their service in the Armed Forces.

Paul Crilly, Chief Executive of NJC said: “We are humbled by the efforts of both teams in taking on this challenge and raising money for such a worthy cause. Congratulations to the RAF team and everyone who attended Southside Shopping Centre in raising much-needed funds.”

Pieter Strömbeck, Centre Director at Southside Shopping Centre, said: “The sheer determination and teamwork demonstrated by the two teams to raise money for veterans was truly inspiring, which was matched by our guests who showed their gratitude for our nation’s heroes by not only generously donating to this noble cause, but also took part in doing some push-ups within the centre.

“We know the donations raised during the challenge will play a pivotal role in guaranteeing that veterans who dedicated themselves to serving their nation, receive the support they require.”

To donate to Combat Stress, please visit: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/shaunwall/25-000-press-up-marathon