BeaverFit sponsored and supported an ex-Para’s mission to run the 250km Moroccan Marathon des Sables, in an endeavour to raise money for SUPPORT OUR PARAS and mental health awareness.
BeaverFits strong relationship with the military, encourages us to support veterans in a variety of ways. From our dominant charity REORG, to our friends struggling to adapt to a civilian lifestyle – we aspire to give back to those who served.
Jonny Mortimer Hendry, now at DEA Aviation, served within the British Army Parachute Regiment for seven years including tours in Afghanistan. On his return he battled mental health issues including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was keen to raise awareness of growing mental health issues particularly during the pandemic. The 250km Marathon des Sables takes place from 25 March to 4th April 2022 in the Moroccan Sahara desert and is one of the toughest foot races in the world. You have to carry all your kit and equipment and the only resupply you have is water. Jonny decided to set a world record attempt of being the first person to complete the marathon whilst wearing 10kg of body armour.
Jonny Mortimer Hendry comments: “When you go to war you wear body armour to protect you against bombs and bullets, but nothing protects your mind. I am running the Marathon des Sables to make a very clear visual statement about soldiers’ and veterans’ mental health and to encourage others to seek help to overcome their battles.“
“Whilst serving in the Parachute regiment I was involved in incidents that I struggled to process on my return and with the help of Support Our Paras I was able to find therapy and get my life back on track.”
Tom Beaver: “At BeaverFit, we pride ourselves in the likeminded initiative to support our vets, Johnny is a good friend and a determined individual. We are extremely proud to support the mission and will continue to offer our continual efforts in all of his endeavours.”
Watch the video of Jonny’s preparation for the Marathon below
Jonnys Support Team
- Martin Hewitt, former British Army Officer, mountaineer and charity co-founder
- Levison Wood, a world-renowned explorer, photographer, best-selling author and documentary producer
- Johnny Neil, former member of the elite pathfinder platoon and owner of media company, Provideo
Companies Supporting Jonny
- BeaverFit UK
- NP Aerospace
- Edgar Brothers
- Firepot
- SUPPORT OUR PARAS
SUPPORT OUR PARAS supports Paras in The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces through the welfare of veterans, serving soldiers and their families and widows, and through the maintenance of its regimental efficiency, ethos, spirit and heritage.
For more information about Marathon des Sables 35ème MARATHON DES SABLES – Site officiel
Sponsors Direct Media Contacts
Beaverfit Emma@beaverfit.com Katie@beaverfit.com
NP Aerospace Media Contact caroline.hardiman@npaerospace.com
Edgar Brothers Alex.wilson@edgarbrothers.com
Who Is Johnny Mortimer Hendry
- Aged 34, lives in Clapham, London, went to Oundle School
- Joined the British Army in 2008, was awarded a Scholarship to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment. He also served in specialist units during his career
- Youngest Captain in the British Army at aged 23
- Received a Mention in Despatches for Gallantry in Afghanistan
- Deployed to Falklands, Kenya, Oman, Mongolia, Brunei, Belize and conducted numerous Operational tours in Afghanistan
- Left the British Army in 2015, joined investment banking industry, set up a cyber security company, joined DEA Aviation in 2021 within the Business team
- Co-Founder of Support Our Afghans, an initiative to help qualified Afghan forces
- Pledged to raise £50,000 for Support our Paras
