Army Veteran signs up for the Manchester Marathon to honour his fallen comrade and help raise vital funds for the charity supporting his son
Former soldier, Dan McAreavey, from Swindon, has signed up for the Manchester Marathon, as a way of honouring his good friend and comrade, David Grout, while also raising money for the charity that has offered integral support to David’s son following his death.
David Grout and Dan McAreavey and their squad in Denmark
Signaller, David Grout was killed on 18th May 2010 after suffering a fatal head injury. He left behind his wife Kerry and son, Harley, who was just 18 months old at the time. Over the last five years, Harley has been supported by bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers – the charity Dan has placed at the heart of his marathon challenge.
David and Harley
David and Dan were close friends, the pair served together in Afghanistan and, as a way of honouring his friend and helping to raise money, Dan (33) has decided to sign up for the Manchester Marathon, which takes place on 3rd April.
As someone who is always keen to push himself, Dan has taken part in a number of fundraising activities in David’s name before, including the London Marathon in 2016 and, most recently, the 496-kilometre running challenge.
Dan said: “I always want to push myself and, as David was such a huge part of my life, anything I do, I do for him. I’m still very close to David’s family and I know just how much Scotty’s Little Soldiers has supported Harley over the years. I knew him as a little baby and it’s heart-breaking to know that he’s had to grow up without his dad by his side.”
Harley, who is now 13 years old, joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2018, since then he has benefited from the support network it provides.
Harley said: "Dan was my dad's friend from the army and now he is raising money in memory of my dad which makes me honoured and proud. I think of my dad every day and knowing people still care about him and remember him after all these years is overwhelming. Dan is wonderful to be doing this in his own time to raise money for children like me and in honour of my dad, that is truly amazing. Thank you Dan, and everyone else raising money for Scotty's Little Soldiers."
Harley Grout
Harley and his mum, Kerry, will be cheering Dan on as he completes his marathon. Dan has set himself a target to raise £635 and is already well on his way to achieving it.
He said: “I just want to do David and his family proud. He was my best friend, so I’ll do anything I can if it means Harley and other children just like him are supported at such difficult times of their lives.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott. Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009 had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
The charity is currently providing assistance to hundreds of bereaved British Forces children and young people around the UK and beyond. Services offered include guidance to parents and carers, access to professional child bereavement support, personal education and learning assistance (including grants) and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Nikki said: “I can’t thank Dan enough for everything he’s doing, not only for raising money for Scotty’s, but for doing so in David’s name. Harley has been through so much at such a young age and knowing that Dan is running for his dad will be a great comfort. At Scotty’s we ensure that all of our members never feel alone or forgotten and every penny Dan raises will help us continue to do that.”
