Challenge4Veterans: 3 races. 1 mountain. Zero excuses. Let's support our armed forces community.

This year I’m attempting something deliberately uncomfortable.

Running a marathon. A trail half. A 50-mile ultra. Then climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Not for medals or bravado, but to raise funds for those who have served our country, and the families and veterans who live with the consequences every day.

Individually, each of these is demanding. Taken together, they are excessive by design. I may not complete every element. That’s not the point. This is about the journey, the challenge, and the act of showing up when something matters.

I’ll be documenting the entire process on social media, not to glorify suffering, but to make the effort visible. The training. The setbacks. The doubts. The grind. Because awareness only exists when people are willing to look.

From the age of six to sixteen, I was convinced I would join the army. Cadets. Certainty. Purpose. Eventually, reality intervened. I realised I was too independently minded, too resistant to authority, too unsuited to being told what to do. So I stepped away.

What I never stepped away from was respect.

Respect for those who do sign up. For those who put themselves in harm’s way on behalf of the rest of us. For the families who carry the consequences quietly. And for the fact that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with veterans. Some of the sharpest, most grounded, most principled people I’ve known. People you want in a crisis. People who don’t posture. People who’ve seen enough to know what matters. This challenge is my way of giving something back.

I’m fundraising around three clear pillars.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers, supporting children whose parent made the ultimate sacrifice. This is about futures interrupted, and the responsibility the rest of us share to help rebuild them.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers spokesperson: “We are blown away here at Scotty’s by Josh’s incredible challenge. His passion and determination to support military charities is so inspiring, but to take on four enormous lifetime challenges in a few short months shows his immense commitment to make a difference for our veteran community. We are honoured to have him on board and wish him the very best on this awesome endeavour.”

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which supports soldiers, veterans and families affected by service, whether through injury, illness, financial hardship or long-term recovery. Service leaves a mark. ABF makes sure no one is left to manage that alone.

UK Afghanistan Veterans Community, representing one of the largest groups of working-age veterans, and one that is too often overlooked. This is about visibility, advocacy and connection for those whose service shaped a generation.

Jonny Ball, UK Afghanistan Veterans Community co-founder: 'Josh has been one of the early supporters of the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community through his work. This physical challenge changes that dynamic to one where he will empathise with the physical and mental resilience that many of our community have been through on military operations. His fundraising will help us support the 150,000 strong largely working age population of UK Veterans of Afghanistan and their families. Good luck!'

This challenge will hurt. That’s inevitable. But a little pain and discomfort from me is a trivial price compared to what our servicemen and women have already given. If we can give back when we’re able, we should. No slogans. No guilt. Just responsibility.

Every mile run, every climb, every step forward is a gesture of respect, not heroism.

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply follow the journey, I’m grateful. Support turns effort into impact.

And if any businesses or organisations are interested in corporate partnerships or sponsorship opportunities linked to this challenge, I’d welcome the conversation at [email protected]

Thank you.