The Dragon’s Back Race has only been held on five previous occasions and has now been extended to a six-day challenge starting at Conwy Castle and finishing at Cardiff Castle covering an average daily distance of 63km up and down the mountainous spine of Wales.
The distance is equivalent to completing one-and-a-half marathons each day, across rugged terrain, and is scheduled to take place from September 5-12.
Stuart, whose Wolverhampton South West constituency covers both Molineux and the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground at Compton, is raising funds for two charities close to his heart – Wolves Foundation and the Elysium Memorial Foundation which is aiming to set up a memorial to honour veterans who have taken their own lives after their service.
Stuart will be the first MP to take on this monumental challenge which will be the latest step on his own personal journey which saw him enter the military only to suffer a high-velocity gunshot wound to his foot at the age of 17.
He was initially told that his foot and possibly his lower leg would need to be amputated but weeks of surgeries went better than expected and his leg was saved.
However, he was then informed that his military career was over, he would never be able to run again and would only be able to walk with the aid of a stick.
But Stuart was unwilling to accept such a devastating prognosis and undertook an extensive rehabilitation programme, returning to full active service with the Army in Northern Ireland within a year.
He went on to complete eight years in the Royal Green Jackets (now the Rifles/Rangers), including three operational tours and a variety of deployments.
Although his foot is still partially paralysed and he will experience a lot of pain in running this distance, he is keen to take on the challenge in support of the two charities.
The Elysium Memorial project is being led by a group of solders who are raising funds with a series of physical endurance challenges for a memorial, hopefully at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, where those who have experienced the loss of a loved one through suicide will be able to have a quiet place for contemplation and remembrance.
Stuart said: “By taking part in the Dragon’s Back Race, I hope to not only prove to myself how far I have come in my personal journey but to raise funds for two fantastic charities that do so much to help others.
“The Wolves Foundation plays a huge role in the life of our city, encouraging more people to be fit and healthy.
"The Elysium Memorial will be a fitting project to those who have served our country with pride and dignity but - as I did - found it hard dealing with life events relating to service.
“Both of these charities remind us of the importance of community, and in ensuring that everybody is included.”
Stuart, who has been building up endurance for the race by jogging regularly through Smestow Valley and what feels like every road in Wolverhampton, is a strong advocate of the work of Wolves Foundation and has taken part in both Molineux Sleepouts to date to raise funds for Wolves' official charity.
“We’re delighted to have Stuart’s support,” said Will Clowes, head of Wolves Foundation.
“Stuart is a fantastic advocate for our city.
“As a local charity, we champion the health and wellbeing of local people and Stuart’s inspirational story shows that anything is possible.
“We wish him all the very best.”
Click here to sponsor Stuart and, in doing so, support the Wolves Foundation.
