Bristol Half Marathon

By Ashley Stafford-Hey

My Activity Tracking

6
mi

I am raising vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,


I am excited to share that I will be participating in the Bristol Half Marathon this year, but with a twist that adds an extra level of challenge and meaning to my run. I will be donning military kit, carrying a weighted pack of 35lbs, and wearing a respirator throughout the race. This endeavor is not just about completing the race; it is a heartfelt mission to raise funds and awareness for Combat Stress, a charity dedicated to supporting veterans struggling with mental health issues.


The reality of mental health challenges faced by our service members is stark, and it has personally touched my life in profound ways. I have lost a few dear friends to suicide, and their struggles have highlighted the urgent need for mental health support within the military community. Combat Stress works tirelessly to provide vital services and support to veterans, helping them cope with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Their mission resonates deeply with me, and I am committed to doing my part to make a difference.


By taking on this physically demanding challenge in full military kit, I hope to honor the memory of my friends and raise awareness about the importance of mental health support for those who have served our country. The weight of the pack symbolizes the heavy burdens many veterans carry, and the respirator represents the obstacles they face when seeking help. It’s a small reflection of the immense challenges they endure every day.


I am asking for your support to help me reach my fundraising goal. Every penny raised will go directly to Combat Stress, enabling them to continue their crucial work in supporting veterans and their families. Your generosity can help provide counseling, treatment, and resources for those in need, ensuring that no veteran has to face their struggles alone.


Thank you for considering supporting my journey in the Bristol Half Marathon. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who have bravely served our nation. 

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.

I’m taking on vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Thank you so much for your support.

In memory of Craig John Sinclair 

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

£53.32

Melanie And Derek

What an amazing achievement. Well done!

£30

James Pitts

Great job Ash!

£30

Katryna Pitts

Look forward to seeing you cross the finish line!

£29.15

Debbie North

Well done Ash, so very proud of you and your support of such a worth while cause xx

£27.05

Fiona Sinclair

£26.45

Shaggy

£21.84

Anonymous

£21.84

Ben Hughes

Best of luck, gonna be rats!

£21.84

Connor Baker

Good luck!

£21.84

Khadka Gurung Qge

All the best Ashley. Keep moving forward with positive mindset. Physical and mental resilience is key. Connecting our Mind and Body by pushing beyond our comfort zone will help us to achieve impossible.

£21.84

Adam

Good luck ya REMF!!

£21.84

The Wilkinsons

Well done Ash - amazing achievement!!

£21.84

Shaun Riley

Well done, mate. Great effort for a great cause.

£16.56

Ryan

Smash it 💪

£16.56

Westmorland

£14.50

K Stafford

Well done Ash! You smashed it! So so proud of you Son!

£11.33

Mum

Go out there & smash it Son! With you in spirit!

£11.33

Ed Venn

Good luck

£11.33

Sean

Fab job Ashley

£10

Georgia & Ben

Better late than never (sorry Gash). Massive kudos to you!👏👏