Rupert Laing, 2009 Politics graduate and founder of DecAid.
Alumnus launches DecAid Appeal
Rupert Laing, who graduated in July 2009 with a degree in Politics, is playing an instrumental part in launching a charity appeal - DecAid. It has been set up to mark 10 years of British military presence in Afghanistan. Rupert was inspired to set this up as he was a dedicated member of the Officer Training Corps whilst also completing his studies at the University of Exeter.
Rupert reflects, "whilst at university, Exeter University Officer Training Corps (EUOTC) became a huge part of my life. I joined in my first year with very little military background. It quickly changed everything as I took up running and trained for events and during my three years there I completed three leadership modules as well as taking a leadership module as part of my degree."
Whilst with EUOTC, Rupert organised two charity events which raised a total of around £19,000. The first was a team of five to run five marathons up the highest mountain in each of the five countries in the UK and Ireland in five consecutive days. Then in 2009, Rupert organised a charity event that broke the world record for the most people to run a marathon tied together. Despite strong winds and hail the team of 28 people completed the marathon in a time of 4 hours 28 minutes.
Rupert is now working with a team of 45 students from EUOTC to organise a series of events and challenges in 2011 to raise money for DecAid. If you would like to know more about the DecAid events or to become involved please visit the DecAid website.
This charity appeal is being launched on the 15 October in Exeter, as part of a 30th Anniversary for alumni of the OTC.
Date: 12 October 2010
