Golden Valley Jim puts the ‘fun’ in fundraising for SSAFA!

13 April 2026

Jim Hamilton, a self-confessed adrenaline junkie and sometime rock guitarist, of Gloucestershire, is running the London Marathon for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Jim (48) is the Operations Director of CDS Defence & Security (CDS DS), based in Cheltenham, and has been training ahead of the Marathon taking place on April 27, but has put that on hold for the best of reasons: a fortnight’s holiday in Jamaica to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his marriage to I-Lan.

Although Jim, he lives in the Golden Valley between Stroud and Cirencester, has not served, both his father and grandfather – affectionately known as “Pap” – did, and both in the Scots Guards.

“Pap”, began Jim, “took part in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. He was badly wounded, but survived, though the rest of his battalion died.

“When Pap was injured, he was in constant correspondence with his wife, my granny, and I have copies of all his hand-written letters. They are utterly tear-jerking.”

Jim and CDS DS are no strangers to fundraising. He completed a 50-mile fundraising run in the time of Covid, and CDS DS has chosen SSAFA as its company charity to support to raise funds for. Other, seasonal fundraising events include competitions to design the best Easter eggs and to carve the best pumpkin for Hallowe’en, a Christmas fun run, cake sales, and many other enjoyable events.

Jim is a man of many talents and interests, and said: “I love sport, and running is the only time I get head space. I play guitar – heavy rock, blues, and rock – and recently started having guitar lessons after stopping in my teens.

“I love being stupid and embarrassing my kids, even though they’re 19 and 21, and I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky and have done bungy jumps, cliff diving, that sort of thing.

“That’s probably a big reason I had to have neck surgery a few years ago, but that won’t stop me continuing to be stupid though.”

He added that CDS DS employs around 200 people and noted that about 60% - 70% of its workforce are either veterans or reservists.

“CDS DS has a long-standing tradition and commitment to the supporting the Armed Forces alongside SSAFA and we proudly hold the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award,” said Jim.

He concluded: “I’m really looking forward the day, which will be my first time doing the London Marathon.

“Everyone tells me that it’s an amazing day with an incredible atmosphere, but more than that I’m honoured to have the opportunity to raise money for SSAFA and do my little bit for those who serve, have served, and will serve – and for their families.”