Karl Hinett, a courageous former soldier who survived significant burns when his warrior tank was petrol-bombed during a rescue operation in Iraq, is now preparing to run a 105 mile route in under 40 hours to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he was treated. All the money he raises will go to QEHB Charity, the official charity of the hospital.

Karl had been in Iraq only five months when he was injured in September 2005 at just 18 years old. His regiment was part of a rescue operation to free two British soldiers who had been captured and held in Basra.

Since the injury, which left Karl with 37% burns to his hands, legs, arms and face, the marathon man has dedicated much of his time to fundraising for QEHB Charity, completing an impressive number of intense races to help patients. In 2014, Karl won the Pride of Birmingham Award for Outstanding Bravery in recognition of his courage and compassion.

Karl’s latest goal is to complete the ‘Lakeland 100’ which is a 105 mile foot race around the Lake District, taking place on Friday 29 July. The race has a strict 40-hour cut-off time, making it even tougher. This will be Karl’s 150th officially organised marathon-length race.

Karl, who is from Dudley, said: “I first attempted this race in 2013 but had to withdraw at mile 40. As the checkpoints have strict cut-off times, I could feel the pressure to keep pushing and at that point I knew, even with my previous race experience, that I was outside my limit. The navigation and running through the night is hard enough, but it’s the steep ups and downs of the terrain that make this race extremely difficult.

“The cut off time is 40 hours for the whole event. I’ve studied the route extensively and planned my predicted pace for a finish of around 36-38 hours. I know I’m not fast, but this race is the exact definition of ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint’.

“I’m supporting QEHB Charity again, as even though my treatment is finished for now, when I visit the hospital I still witness first-hand the amazing work being done. The staff go above and beyond for patients time and time again, and always put patient care first. I want to ensure that they have the resources and equipment available to them to continue doing what they do best.”

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity, said: “Karl is a truly inspirational supporter of ours and we feel very lucky to have him as a fundraiser. We wish him the best of luck in his next endeavour.”

To sponsor Karl’s latest race, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Karl-Hinett-Lakeland100

You can live-track Karl’s progress here: http://www.lakeland100.com/family-and-supporters

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