Resident takes on Potters ‘Arf and braves the shave to raise £1,000 for Stoke-on-Trent veterans

This June resident Mal Mullet from Bradeley is taking on the Potters ‘Arf with his four comrades to raise money for Stoke-on-Trent veteran’s charity.

The challenge is no mean feat as Mal has a below knee amputation after having his toes crushed on a bus five years ago but is doing it to raise money for a cause that’s close to his heart as he served in the British Military for over 25 years.

Along with his four friends Smudge, Nathan and the two Tony’s, he’s hoping to raise a total of £1,000 for Veterans Connect who support veterans who are struggling mentally or financially in Stoke-on-Trent.

This isn’t the first time Mal has faced the challenge. He took on the Potters ‘Arf in 2021 and said it nearly ‘killed him’ but is committed to doing it again to raise money for a good cause.

“I completed the Potters ‘Arf in 2021 and it almost killed me!” said Mal.

“It was hard work, and I was in agony. Going up Milton Road towards the end of the race was tough and although I trained for weeks nothing could’ve prepared me for the mental and physical resilience needed to finish that race.

“I know what to expect now and I’m doing it again to raise money for veterans who are struggling and might need a helping hand.”

“It’s a really important cause, because from my personal experience veterans are very proud people who don’t want to ask for help or admit they are struggling.

“What I’ll be putting myself through is nothing compared to what some veterans go through on a daily basis, so if by doing this I can help just one person, it’s worth it.”

Alongside completing the Potters ‘Arf Mal also shaved his head earlier this month, with a live screening on his Facebook to raise further funds for the cause.

(Pictured: Mal braving the post-shave hair-do)

He says his curls have been part of his identity all his life and that getting rid of them has stripped part of his identity.

“I’ve had my curls all my life”, added Mal.

“I live at an over 55s independent living village Bradeley Village, and I joke with my neighbours and people call me Tin Tin because of my trademark curl.

“It will be an adjustment, but it will grow back and I’m doing anything I can to help raise funds for local veterans in need.”

Mal said his charitable efforts started after Staffs Housing re-housed and supported his journey post-amputation.

(Pictured: Bradeley Village)

“My life changed forever when I had my leg amputated”, said Mal.

“At the time I was living in a terraced house, and I couldn’t go back there because I wouldn’t be able to go up and down stairs, so I was left homeless.

“Staffs Housing re-housed me and moved me into Bradeley Village into a fully adapted bungalow.

“They were brilliant and helped me throughout the whole process. They visited me at bedside and helped get everything ready to move in.

“The support didn’t stop there. When I got home, they regularly checked in on me and once I was back on my feet helped me to find a purpose again.

“Their customer involvement team asked if I’d like to get involved and use my experiences to help shape their services for other residents.

“I said yes, and it gave me something to look forward to. I’ve been doing it for four years now and I’m involved with various groups and panels that help to inform their services.

“I was so grateful of their help and support that it spurred my motivation to give back.

“Since leaving hospital I’ve supported a limbless veteran’s charity, regularly visited wards to support people experiencing amputations, and have worked with councillors to make a difference to my community too.

“I don’t do it for the praise and instead want to give back like Staffs Housing did for me.”

Want to donate to support Mal’s efforts? Donate what you can here