Former Soldier Giving Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland a Marathon Effort 27 March 2026 Former soldier Steven Waterson has never been a man to shirk a challenge. So, when Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland invited the ex-army man to take part in a triple marathon fundraising challenge for 2026, the only response was to say yes. But not content with signing up to run for Scotland’s biggest health charity in the Manchester, London and Edinburgh marathons – all within an incredible six weeks – Steven decided to do a little warm-up, too. That means he’ll tackle the John Muir Way 50km ultra-marathon the week before he runs the traditional 26 miles and 385 yards in Manchester. All that and Steven, a disabled veteran of conflicts in the Balkans, Northern Ireland and Iraq, will be running with a white stick because he’s now partially sighted after a series of brain operations after a brain haemorrhage. The 53-year-old, who lives in Dalkeith, Midlothian, said: “I’ve run lots of marathons, but I’ve never done any so close together. The challenge will be in recovering properly, but I’m ready for it. “I couldn’t resist when Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland asked me to do the triple marathon challenge. Then I saw the sign-up for the 50km ultra-marathon and thought ‘why not’?” Steven was a chef in the Royal Logistics Corps, serving in operations in the Balkans, Northern Ireland and Iraq. But it was while based at home in barracks in Edinburgh that he collapsed with a brain haemorrhage back in 2003. While he was still able to stay in the army, he could not be deployed, so had to stay in the UK. On the same day he collapsed at Redford Barracks, back in June 2003, the first-ever Edinburgh marathon was taking place. Determined to prove his fitness, both to himself and his army chiefs, Steven decided he’d sign up for the event the next year – despite never having run a marathon before! He completed the circuit in less than four hours, and his marathon fixation began. His health, however, had continued to take a battering. He contracted viral meningitis, then needed ankle reconstruction on an old injury. At one point he even completed the 2007 Edinburgh marathon on crutches, coming dead last after more than seven hours. Five days after that event, he was in hospital after a blood clot was found on his leg. The following year, Steven suffered a second brain haemorrhage. This time doctors suggested surgery would be needed to stop further bleeds, and he went through 35 hours of high-risk cranial surgery over six days in a hospital in Bristol. That surgery, while stemming the brain bleeds, left Steven visually impaired, which means he now has to use the white stick. Recovery from such a draining operation was slow – Steven developed further blood clots in his legs, a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia before being moved to a neurological rehab unit in Edinburgh. No health setback he’s endured has dampened Steven’s enthusiasm for physical challenges and a marathon in particular. Now working as a sports physio, he says he’s ready for the toughest six weeks ahead. And having set a target of raising £5,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland with his incredible efforts, he’s determined to meet his goal. Steven, who also coaches athletics, said: “I always say to my patients that they can do athletic events, no matter their age or physical state. Doing it is the easy bit. But the recovery is the challenge, especially as you get older. “I’m already in training mode for the ultra. I got up at 5am yesterday and ran a half-marathon before I spent the day looking after my two toddler grand-daughters. The run was easier!” You can support Steven in his bid to raise £5,000 for CHSS by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/steven-waterston-10 If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice, information, or access to our services in your local area, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.