Pain-hit airman continues Three Peaks mission
Howard Kniveton is having to break the pain barrier on every mile of the 500 he is walking for charity.
The Royal Air Force man set off from Ben Nevis in Scotland, on January 16, to conquer the Three Peaks marathon including Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and Snowdon in Wales by mid February.
He'd planned to wild-camp, and eat only military rations.
But wintry conditions led to a difficult early passage - and he injured his pelvis on the first day.
"I was going up Ben Nevis on the first day it was really deep snow - above the knee" he said.
"When you have to pick your knees up constantly it is quite hard on you.
"This is the first big charity thing I have ever done so I was a bit gutted. But I have been managing it" said the Rotherham-based airman.
On Wednesday, he detoured off his route to call in at Moffat Hospital in Dumfries and Galloway, where he was prescribed Naproxen (an anti-inflammatory drug.)
He posted on Instagram: "Pelvis strain still straining, every step is uncomfortable but obviously manageable.
"Dropped off all my wild camping kit at the Post Office so I won’t be wild camping anymore, instead I’ll be using cheap hostels, hotels/inns and pods/glamping.
"Not exactly what I planned, but the weight had to go if I am to continue."
Howard is raising money for the UK's oldest armed forces charity, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen’s Families Association SSAFA.
The organisation aids homeless veterans, serving personnel and families.
He has a £5,000 target and has raised £1,445 so far.
He is being supported by John Healey, Britain's defence minister and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough.
"Mr Healey posted a card through my front door saying good luck and saying I'd smash it" said Howard.
Howard's charity page (https://www.justgiving.com/page/howard-kniveton-2) says the mission is "A test of endurance, mental grit, and determination."
Helping the charity would help make sure "no one in our Armed Forces community is left behind.