Ashley Jones

Mon 11 May 26 - it's begun.

In memory of Lee Alan Morris - Sunrise: 2 Dec 1977 Sunset: 23 Mar 2026, GBNF. R.I.P

Firstly thank you for taking the time to visit my page. People say I can go on at times and chat for days but this time it's for a good cause to help others.

2020 was a turbulent year for us all due to COVID but 2019 was a year of was a year of personal disbelief and transformation for myself.

Running, which once felt like my fitness nemesis became a dark place of escape for me as pressures mounted in life which I struggled to deal with. I found myself unknowingly descending into a mental health struggle often referred to as 'The Black Dog.' It didn't matter how much weight I could lift or how far I could run, my mind was not at ease.

My 25 years of military experience have shaped me into many things profoundly and I strived to reclaim my physical and mental well-being since 2019 sooo for some sanity:

● March 2021 - I completed the 4x4x48 CHALLENGE for MIND charity- ran 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours with the only rest being on the 4 hours off...This is where the legend I speak of unknowingly to me, drove 3hrs, knocked on my door to run 4miles with me, had a coffee then drove home 💚

● June 2023 - Applied to compete in the COMBAT STRESS,  D-DAY CHALLENGE Marathon running across the beaches of Normandy however, work commitments prevented me from participating.

● June 6th, 2024 - OPERATION SWIM - swam 500m/5km - OMAHA BEACH non-stop in a 20m pool (250 lengths) in memory of the fallen service personnel of the D-Day landings for Help For Heroes. #BlackSwimmersMatter

● June 26th 2024 - OPERATION SWIM - swam 11,500m/11.5km - SWORD BEACH non-stop in a 20m pool (575 lengths) in memory of the fallen service personnel of the D-Day landings for Help For Heroes. #BlackSwimmersMatter.

● 22nd March 2026 - RUN ROME, THE MARATHON for the charity MIND Mid and North East Essex - first official marathon in 3hrs 58m 32s (2x personal bests)

I knew I'd need another fitness challenge for my own mental sanity but didn't expect it to be so soon, just like a legend to many that he'd too leave us so soon.

This legend being a true friend namely by the name of Lee Morris aka to me and many 'The Morris'. A genuine, caring, son, brother, husband, uncle,  boxer, funny, straight talking, loving, brother in arms and alot more to name but he is now being a bigger legend on the the other side. He'd supported me in some very dark moments in my life and with his family's blessing and against a few disapprovers I will do something for him as I know he'd tell me

"You've got this champ"

"Get up you bum cos Mickey loves ya"

To that end on 7 Nov 2026, Remembrance Sunday weekend I will be taking part in Combat Stress - Race to Remember:

• Distance: 76km / 47.2mi
• Elevation: +2100ft max grade 13%
• Aid Stations: 6

This first non-stop ultramarathon will take me into some dark, painful, lonely moments I expect on a route over a mix of trails and tarmac over the challenging South Downs National Park whilst overcoming heights of over 2000ft of elevation.

START: Aldershot

FINISH: Portsmouth, HMS Warrior, a historic dockyard.

GOAL:

1. Fnish this ultramarathon, do not miss the checkpoint times or be placed on the safety vehicle.

2. Hit the fundraising target/goal and go beyond it. 

3. Raise awareness of mental health and shed the stigma associated with it.

All of this to firstly remeber the legend "Morris" but also to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment and vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they deserve and need.

All support and donations leading up to this throughout my training journey and race day, all acts a fuel for me to deliver and complete this, all for "The Morris"

"Never Above, Never Below, Always Side By Side" OAFAAF 

Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict. Once you donate, your contribution goes directly to the charity - making it the most efficient way to support this cause and charity for veterans alongside mental health. 

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this (if you made it this far).

Ashley "Malteser Head" Jones