A Lancaster-based support worker is taking on a unique fundraising challenge this summer to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families.
Liam Birkett, a Homeless Navigator at Gateway, will travel from Preston to Kendal along the canal from Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July, making the journey on a giant inflatable yellow duck.
Liam is fundraising for Healthier Heroes CIC, a charity which works alongside veterans who are facing challenges after leaving the Armed Forces, offering support with housing, mental health, recovery, and helping people rebuild structure and purpose in their lives.
With family members currently serving in the Army and others who are veterans, the cause is personal to Liam who understands both the pride that comes with service and the challenges that can follow.
“I’ve seen the pride, the strength, and the sacrifices,” he said.
“But I’ve also seen the battles that don’t just switch off when service ends.”
Through his role at Gateway, Liam works closely with people experiencing homelessness and complex life challenges. He sees firsthand how the right support at the right time can make a lasting difference, something he hopes this challenge will help highlight.
Healthier Heroes provides that kind of support for the veteran community, creating opportunities for people to feel safe, supported, and able to move forward with their lives.
Throughout the five-day journey, Liam will be sharing his experience through daily live streams on Facebook, giving people the opportunity to follow along and show their support. Each night, he’ll be sleeping in a pop-up tent by the canal, adding to the physical and mental challenge.
While the inflatable duck may raise a smile, the message behind the challenge is an important one; raising awareness of the ongoing support veterans may need and encouraging people to be part of that support.
Liam hopes that by sharing his journey, more people will understand the difference organisations like Healthier Heroes make and feel encouraged to support their work.
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