From 'Last Post' to London Marathon -- Louth bugler Adam on the run for veterans
A well-known musician and actor from Louth is to swap his bugle for running shoes to raise money for veterans of the Armed Forces.
For the last 23 years, since the age of 15, Adam Barter has played the bugle call, the ‘Last Post’, at Louth’s Remembrance Sunday event run by the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion.
Now he is to run next year’s TCS London Marathon in a bid to boost the Legion’s coffers – and he would like your help.
He needs to raise £1,250 by December 1 and £2,500 overall to confirm his participation in the iconic 26.2-mile race, which he describes as “a massive physical and mental challenge”.
Adam, 38, explained why he “did something crazy” and applied to take part in the marathon next April on behalf of the Legion, the charity that provides financial, social and emotional support for members and veterans of the Armed Forces.
“For most people, Remembrance Sunday is a day of reflection,” he said. “For me, since the age of 15, it has been a day of duty.
"I have played the bugle for Louth for 23 years. From that first time, standing nervously in the cold as a teenager, to my most recent service, sounding the ‘Last Post’ has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
"Over the last two decades, I have seen, first hand, what the Royal British Legion means to our local community.
"Whether it is performing at our local theatre in support of the Poppy Appeal or standing at the cenotaph, I have spent my adulthood honouring the memory of those who served.
"But now I want to do more than just play the notes. I want to put in the miles.
"I have decided to push myself physically in a way I never have before by taking on the London Marathon.
"And when choosing a charity, there was never any doubt in my mind that it should be the Royal British Legion. They do incredible work for Armed Forces veterans and their families.”
Popular Adam, who is an actor and director with the Louth Playgoers Society at the Riverhead Theatre, is already five runs into his 41-week training programme to get himself fully fit for London.
He admits it has been tough – and is likely to get tougher in the summer heatwaves. But he told his Facebook followers: “The legs are feeling it, but every single step is for a massive cause.
"The main goal is to get the miles in the legs and build that endurance. It’s all about building a rock-solid foundation and making consistency a habit.
"I am already feeling the positive impact the training is having on my mind and body.”
So far, Adam has generated £380 of his initial fundraising target, but he needs your support to help him reach the start line.
He said: "I have spent half my life sounding the call for Louth. Now I’m asking for your backing as I run for those who gave everything.
"Every penny raised will go directly to the Royal British Legion to ensure that no-one who has served is ever left behind.
"Right now, they are helping those who are isolated from family, facing homelessness, struggling to feed their children and are in financial crisis.
"Twenty-three years of playing for veterans has given me a deep respect for the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community.
"Beyond the music, the Legion provides lifelong support for serving personnel and veterans.
"As a personal milestone, this marathon will mark a transition from a tribute of breath and brass to a tribute of grit and endurance.”
To give Adam your financial help, visit the enthuse.com website here and search for Adam Barter or Royal British Legion.