Push Up Challenge for Aberdeen Minister

AN Aberdeen minister is taking part in a push up challenge as part of a campaign to highlight awareness about military veterans' suicide rates.

The initiative started in the US after it was revealed 22 former servicemen and women took their own lives every day. The campaign has spread to Britain, initially through the military, and now those nominated are asked to film themselves performing 22 push-ups every day for 22 days and upload the videos to the social media site Facebook with the hashtag #22KILL and #22PUSHUPCHALLENGE. Former soldiers who have lost limbs have taken part with videos going viral on social media.

The Rev Markus Aufferman of Woodside Parish Church in Aberdeen took part in the first day of the challenge after morning worship yesterday (Sunday).

He explained: “I have started with doing from now on 22 push ups in church or other places every day to support the world wide awareness that every 22 hours or so a serviceman or woman facing a very difficult combat situation or even afterwards sadly are drawn to or even commit suicide because he or she feels that they can't cope any more with the traumatic events of war and terrorism and the depressing aftermath they have to deal with and the difficult major impact this has on them, their families and friends.

“Let us support and pray for all our service personnel who fight on a daily basis terrorism and major crimes against humanity and the free and democratic world. We so very much appreciate their service.”

He added: “My church elder Andrew Duncan, a former serviceman, is doing the push ups as well and has inspired me to do so too. We invite and encourage everybody who feels physically fit enough to please follow our example to support and share the awareness of this so sad and disturbing situation amongst soldiers and other military personal.”

A video of the challenge can be found on Facebook.

Comments

Maureen Jack - Monday, August 8th, 2016

“A few years ago I asked the MOD, through my MP, for information on how many ex-servicemen had taken their own lives or been admitted as in-patients to a psychiatric hospital. I was shocked to learn that they do not gather these figures.”

Jim Milne - Thursday, August 11th, 2016

“Well done that man. Many thanks Reverend for raising awareness far more than most!
”

Add a reply

All fields are required. Email address will not be published.