Military Nursing Students Take on Loch Ness Marathon for Erskine Veterans Charity

Three final-year military student nurses from Birmingham City University are set to take on the Loch Ness Marathon 2025, combining their shared love of endurance sport with a mission to support Erskine Veterans Charity, a cause close to their hearts.

The team—Private Gemma Naivalu, Private Harriet Smith, and AS1 Philippa Bullock—represent both the British Army and Royal Air Force. More than just colleagues, they are close friends who found connection through sport and service, and now, through this marathon, hope to give back to the military community that has shaped their paths.

What began as a casual group of friends who enjoyed training together soon turned into something greater. Recognising the opportunity to support others, the trio sought out a charity with military ties and were introduced to Michael Parkes, Fundraising and Development Manager (North) at Erskine Veterans Charity. The decision to fundraise for Erskine felt like a natural fit.

“Being student nurses in the Armed Forces, we see every day how vital physical and mental health is—not just for serving personnel but for our veterans too,” says AS1 Bullock. “Erskine offers support, care, and most importantly, a sense of community and camaraderie that so many miss after leaving the military.”

The Loch Ness Marathon holds emotional significance for the group. For Gemma, it's a return to her home country; for all three, it’s likely their final race together before they begin their professional military nursing career begins at new postings.

“We wanted to do something meaningful together before life takes us in different directions,” says Gemma. “This marathon allows us to celebrate friendship, Scottish culture, and service—all while helping veterans.”

In true celebratory fashion, the trio plan to embrace the spirit of the Highlands with fancy dress, traditional flair, and a determination to soak up every moment of the scenic route. While fun is at the heart of their experience, their purpose is clear.

They aim to raise £1,200 for Erskine Veterans Charity, with every donation helping to provide care, rehabilitation, and social connection to former servicemen and women in Scotland. “Anything beyond that is a bonus,” Harriet adds. “But what we really want is to raise awareness and show that even small efforts can have a big impact.

Michael Parkes said: “We are so grateful for the incredible support from Harriet, Gemma and Phillipa at this year’s Loch Ness Marathon.  The commitment they are showing as a team to raise vital funds and awareness for Erskine Veterans Charity has been outstanding since day one.  Their support comes at such a poignant time for Erskine, as we mark 80 years since the end of World War 2, and the upcoming 110th of our charity.  Good luck to the team on taking on one of the most stunning marathon routes in the world!”

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For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Erskine Veterans Charity is more than a charity — it’s a community, a family, and a lifeline for Scotland’s Veterans and their loved ones. Since 1916, we’ve provided expert care and unwavering support for ex-Service men and women, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of those who’ve served our country.

As Scotland’s leading provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans as the only charity in Scotland to offer such a wide-ranging suite of person-centred services for our beneficiaries.

 Erskine delivers outstanding nursing, residential, and dementia care in our specialist homes on the East and West coasts. However our support extends beyond care homes: through our Veterans Village in Bishopton, we provide 44 family cottages, five Assisted Living Apartments, and 23 Transitional Supported Accommodation Apartments for Veterans of various ages and life stages.

We also help Veterans thrive within their own local communities. Our Activity Centres in Bishopton and Forres, offer a safe space for Veterans to come together with like-minded people to connect, engage in purposeful activities, learn new skills, and access support. In addition our regional Home Support service offers older Veterans the friendly assistance which they need to live well with independence and dignity in their own home.

 At Erskine, we don’t just care for Veterans — we care about them.

The generosity of our supporters allows the charity to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU