Security specialist Damian Zielinski is taking on one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world, The Ice Ultra, to raise funds and awareness for Veterans Aid.
The race takes place from 10-14 February in Swedish Lapland, within the Arctic Circle. It is a 230km self-supported foot race through terrain ranging from ice forests to frozen lakes, mountain ranges and snowfields, where temperatures plummet to as low as -40C.
Damian is the Founder and Managing Partner of EPM Global, a London-based private security service provider. In December 2021, Damian also started a non-profit organisation called One Purpose, Many Missions (OPMM), as a social responsibility initiative of his company EPM Global. The idea behind OPMM is to raise awareness and funds for charities that transform lives.
Explaining his reasons for taking on this challenge for Veterans Aid, Damian said:
‘I’d like to use this event to rise money for Veterans Aid as a token of my appreciation for the wonderful work you do. When I first arrived in the UK 20 years ago, I was one of the unfortunate ones who ended up without a roof over my head. I remember the first few nights I spent in Grosvenor Garden Park, located only a few hundred meters away from VA head office. I was glad when I found out that the VA office is located where my UK journey began. Humble beginnings are always worth remembering.’
As a seasoned private security operative and security company owner, Damian has worked alongside many active and retired service personnel from forces around the world.
‘We employ many veterans, and I wanted to make a meaningful contribution and show gratitude for those who put their lives at risk for the greater good. Over the years of my career, I have interacted with many ex-servicemen. Many of them became my good friends and some business partners. I have researched a few armed forces charities. After a meeting with Dr Milroy at the Head office, I knew this was it. The inspirational work based on fundamental values done by Veterans Aid was something that became close to my heart’, explained Damian.
Damian is actively training and preparing for the demands of the race, both physically and mentally. He must carry his equipment – including food, water, clothing and a safety kit – the entire distance of the epic race. Most of the time he will have to contend with temperatures ranging between -25C and -40C.
‘Lower temperatures accompanied by blizzards could lead the runner to overdress which in turn will overheat the body. Sweating excessively means losing hydration and creating room for frostbites and hypothermia. I anticipate burning as many as 10,000 – 12,000 calories per day, but have food rations of only 3,500 calories per day. As the days go on, my calories deficit will get bigger and bigger, potentially resulting in extreme fatigue’, said Damian.
Damian continued:
’My biggest hope is to complete the race without any significant injury and raise sufficient funds and awareness for Veterans Aid. I am very competitive and know from past experience that I can at times push my body beyond its physical limits even through injury or illness, which isn’t necessarily the wisest thing. My biggest fear is to get forced to not complete by the medics and organisers due to injury or illness when I know I can push through it no matter what.’
CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said:
‘I’m continually surprised by the things people do to support this charity and can’t thank Damian enough for what he is undertaking. Every donation is valued, but when people put themselves through such punishing ordeals to raise money for us, we can only salute and thank them.’
Click here to donate to Damian’s Ice Ultra Marathon in support of Veterans Aid.
