RAF Veteran Chris McDowell Takes on Epic 500-Mile Challenge for Combat Stress, Stops at Oakham Tesco

RAF Veteran Chris McDowell Takes on Epic 500-Mile Challenge for Combat Stress, Stops at Oakham Tesco

Photo: Rob Persani, Rutland and Stamford Sound

Oakham's Tesco Superstore saw an inspiring visitor today as RAF veteran and current Tesco employee, Chris McDowell, 39, a maintenance technician at brought his remarkable 500-mile walking and cycling challenge to the town. Chris is undertaking this monumental feat over 15 days, all while carrying a 3kg medicine ball and a similar-weight chain, to raise vital funds for Combat Stress and champion mental health support for veterans. Chris began his journey from Tesco’s Corstorphine Extra store, in Edinburgh, on June 11th 2025.

Chris, who served with the Royal Air Force, is on a mission to visit 19 Tesco stores across his journey. His stop at Oakham this lunchtime followed an early morning visit to Tesco Melton Mowbray. After engaging with customers and colleagues in Oakham, he continued his determined trek towards Corby.

His arduous journey is set to culminate at Tesco's Head Office in Welwyn Garden City on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, June 28th, 2025. This poignant timing underscores the crucial message Chris is spreading about the importance of mental health awareness and support for those who have served their country.

The 3kg medicine ball and chain serve as a powerful symbol of the invisible burdens many veterans carry, highlighting the ongoing struggle with mental health issues. By physically enduring this challenge, Chris is drawing much-needed attention to the work of Combat Stress, a charity dedicated to providing specialist mental health services to veterans.

Members of the public wishing to support Chris's incredible endeavor can donate online, or locally, there is still an opportunity to contribute at Tesco Oakham until the end of the weekend. Every donation will go towards helping Combat Stress provide their invaluable services to veterans struggling with conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Chris McDowell's dedication is a powerful reminder of the resilience of our veterans and the ongoing need for comprehensive mental health support. His journey not only raises funds but also serves to spark important conversations around mental well-being within the armed forces community and beyond.

You can donate to Chris’ fundraising here:

https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/Onemanandhismedball.