NP Aerospace is supporting an ex-Para’s mission to run the 250km Moroccan Marathon des Sables wearing body armour to raise money for Support our Paras and mental health awareness.
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 traumautic stress disorder 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.”
James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, comments: “As an armour manufacturer, we work with active and veteran military personnel across the world and hear many stories like Jonny’s, the pressure on mental health is extreme. If we can encourage our industry to back charities like Support our Paras who help people find support when they go through adversity then we will be one step closer to improving the lives of veterans and their families.”
To watch the video of Jonny’s preparation for the Marathon (2) Watch Ex Para Prepare for Mental Health Sahara Marathon Mission – YouTube
Joining Jonny in the Marathon as part of his support team are:
- 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, in addition to NP Aerospace, include Edgar Brothers, BeaverFit UK, Firepot, SUPPORT OUR PARAS
To raise money https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonny-hendry
For more information about Marathon des Sables 35ème MARATHON DES SABLES – Site officiel
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.
NP Aerospace Media Contact
Caroline Hardiman
Marketing Manager
+44 (0) 24 7670 2802 / +44 (0) 7585 969841
caroline.hardiman@npaerospace.com
Beaverfit Emma@beaverfit.com Katie@beaverfit.com
Edgar Brothers Alex.wilson@edgarbrothers.com
Facts about 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
