Military man's marathon bid to support charity - as 13ft nurse

The 37-year-old engineering officer lives at Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham and will embark upon his fifth marathon for WellChild on Sunday. WellChild, a national charity supporting sick children, was picked by Ross almost ten years ago when he spotted its name in the official London Marathon magazine.

This will be Ross’s eighth London Marathon, after a few outings raising money for other causes, such as ABF: The Soldiers’ Charity.

“I originally ran in 2008 (for WellChild) just because they’re a fantastic charity which does quite amazing things,” he said.

“I’ve ran the marathon a number of years for myself and a variety of charities, but after a time you have to enjoy the charity you’re running for.

“It’s a charity I feel something towards. It’s a small charity, but an important one.”

In his work with the British Army, Ross has completed two tours of Afghanistan, one in Iraq and another in Bosnia further back in time.

He has been in war zones and seen the conditions young children must live and survive in.

Those experiences drove home the importance of WellChild to him, along with the birth of his two children, Maxwell, six, and Scarlett, four.

“Having my own children now has enabled me to imagine exactly how much those nurses must do to support small children,” he said.

Ross will pull on the nurse costume, synonymous with WellChild fundraisers, which he said was officially the largest costume used in the event until 2008.

What may surprise people is Ross’s approach to training for the gruelling 26.2 mile distance. He doesn’t do any. He said: Ross sits back and keeps his feet up while those around him pick up injuries and waste money on new shoes.

“People might think I’m a bit smug about it because I have done it a couple of times and I have said I’m not training, but it’s for WellChild, not me,” he said.

“They’re the heroes.”

For information or to donate, visit justgiving.com/rosscarter2008.