AWARD-WINNING mental health campaigner and adventurer takes on the infamous 7-7-7 World Marathon Challenge this January.

Wiltshire-based Sally Orange is a former British Army Major and she served for 22 years in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Physiotherapy Officer. Sally will be running seven marathons, across seven continents, in seven days with the funds going to seven different charities. 

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Avanti Communications announced its sponsorship of Sally today.

Sally Orange said: “I am thrilled to be partnering with Avanti on this latest challenge. Their vital support means that all of the money I raise will go directly to the seven charities I have chosen to support.

“I have also been inspired by their efforts to run their own 7-7-7 challenge to help break the cycle of the stigma that still surrounds mental health, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.”

Funds raised will go to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), Marathon Kids UK, Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), Ripple Suicide Prevention and Walking with the Wounded. 

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Sally draws upon her own lived experience with depression and anxiety to help inspire others. Through her focus on healthy eating, physical activity and an overcoming adversity mindset, she hopes that the latest challenge will lead to more conversations about mental health and wellbeing taking place.”

Avanti has a long history of supporting veterans as a part of its long-term commitment to the services. Avanti employees have committed to their own 7-7-7 sports challenge where employees join in groups of seven to run, walk, cycle or swim seven km every day for seven days.

The latest partnership is designed to break the stigma of mental health in the workplace.

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Group HR Director at Avanti Communications, Debbie Mavis said: “We’re honoured to be supporting Sally on this monumental challenge. Her determination, fearlessness and leadership is an inspiration to all of us at Avanti.

“Her promotion of the benefits of exercise and the importance of discussing mental health has motivated us to launch our own challenge and offer Mental Health First Aid training to all our employees. We wish Sally the best of luck and will be cheering her on from the sidelines.”