Royal Navy Commander Runs London Marathon - Fundraising for Navy’s Principal Charity in his 36th Year of Service

Commander Ritchie Perfect ran the 2024 TCS London Marathon on 21 April 24, fundraising for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and in support of the White Ensign Association (WEA).

Originally hailing from Ipswich in Suffolk, Ritchie joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Writer at the age of 17 in 1988 and is in the rare position of having held every rank within the service from Able Rate through to Commander, having gained his commission in 2014.

Ritchie is a subject matter expert in the Armed Forces pensions space and also volunteers his time for the WEA, of which RNRMC is a principal funder.  The WEA’s mission is to provide informed guidance to serving and former members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, their Reserves and their families on armed forces pensions, the armed forces compensation scheme and other personal financial matters; civilian employment, retraining and resettlement; and accessing professional services advice on personal, domestic and welfare matters.

He has previously run the London Marathon in 2009, but an injury in 2011 forced him to pause his distance running. On turning 50, he faced new health issues which became the catalyst to challenging himself to don his running trainers once again, albeit at a more measured pace.

On running for RNRMC and in support of their funding for the White Ensign Association, Ritchie said:

‘The WEA provides so much benefit to over 4000 people each year, not just in terms of pensions guidance, but also in its other important work for the naval community.  If it weren’t for the generous support of RNRMC, the WEA would not be able to carry out this vital role within the naval charity sector. I’d like to highlight their work and also raise awareness of the Armed Forces pension in general to help people to better understand it.’

To support Ritchie’s fundraising efforts, please visit Ritchie Perfect is fundraising for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (justgiving.com)