Wiltshire soldier carries the 'weight' of mental health struggles in the Great North Run

08 September 2026

*Please note: this news article includes discussion of mental health challenges, combat trauma, and suicide.  

Ashley Stafford-Hey always dreamed of joining the Army, proudly signing up as a vehicle mechanic aged just 18. Now, at 32, Ashley has seen and experienced the immense pride that comes with serving your country, but he has also seen the devastating effects of PTSD and mental health.  

Determined to break the stigma, he is tackling the Great North Run, a 13-mile race taking place in Tyne and Wear on 13 September 2026, wearing a respirator and carrying 15kg on his back in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. These physical barriers represent the invisible struggles serving personnel and veterans face including PTSD and mental health challenges.  

Ashley grew up captivated by stories of his hero, his great grandad. As one of the first soldiers to serve in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), his great grandad served in Africa during WWII. Inspired by the tales of courage, resilience and service, passed down through his family, Ashley always knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps and continue his family's proud tradition of serving in the Armed Forces. 

After joining the British Army in October 2012, aged just 18, Ashley is still serving his country and works as a Senior Production Sergeant in the Royal Dragoon Guards, based in Wiltshire. 

Ashley said: “I have loved being in the Army from the moment I signed up. I love the camaraderie it brings, the travel and the sense of being part of a team. During my 14 years of service, I have experienced multiple exercises and operations. 

“Whilst I’ve seen so many positives of being part of the Armed Forces community, I have also witnessed the heart-breaking reality of service. In recent years I have lost friends who have died by suicide, both those who were serving and veterans.

“More needs to be done so that serving personnel and veterans know what help is out there and that they don’t need to battle alone. This is why I have chosen to take part in the Great North Run, raising money for SSAFA, a charity that sits outside of chain of command and offers practical, financial and emotional support. From helping provide a listening ear and enabling people to feel seen and heard to securing the funding for household goods, emergency food vouchers and health needs such as hearing aids, dentures or mobility scooters, SSAFA’s support is vital.”  

Anyone in the Armed Forces community affected by the issues raised in this news release (or have any other problems they wish to discuss) please contact SSAFA. Our Forcesline advisors are available to help with mental health challenges and stress Monday to Thursday 09:00-17:00 and Friday 09:00-16:00 (excluding bank holidays) on freephone 0800 260 6780, or online.