A FORMER army major from Salisbury who has completed more than 70 marathons has been shortlisted as finalist in the Soldiering On Awards.

Having completed more than 70 marathons, eight Ironman triathlons, and has run the most difficult footrace on this planet, Sally Orange holds multiple Guinness World Records and world firsts.

The awards honour those overcoming challenges in their aim for sporting excellence as well as contributing and advancement of the Armed Forces community. 

Samantha Fletcher, who nominated Sally for the award, said: “Sally is an outstanding athlete who has been an inspiration to many with her sporting challenges, whether that be members of the military community, children, civilians, or her patients.

“Sally supports and encourages, always thinking how other people’s achievements can help their confidence. Her main desire is to see others achieve; a truly rare and refreshing quality.”

As an endurance athlete, Sally has won awards for her mental health campaigning. Having run a marathon on every continent, she dresses for the occasion, often, as a piece of fruit. 

One fundraising campaign will take place on October 2 where she will be dressed as a savoury snack.

Sally was medically discharged in 2019 after 22 years of exemplary service in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a physiotherapy officer and since her discharge, has spoken openly about her experiences with chronic anxiety and depression.

Sally has already raised more than £500,000 for 40 charities which included an underground marathon in a mine to signify how no-one knows what is going on beneath the surface of someone’s mind.

The winner of this award will be chosen through a public vote which closes on August 14.

The award is sponsored by BMF Human Performance and anyone wishing to vote for Sally can do so at the website.

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