Four military legends, adventurers, and TV personalities, Jason “Foxy” Fox, Aldo Kane, Brian Wood MC, and Karl Hinett, are launching a new campaign in association with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to shine a spotlight on mental health in the military.
20 years on from his horrific and life changing injuries following an attack on his Warrior tank in Iraq, former British Army soldier Karl Hinett has enlisted the support of fellow veterans who have themselves publicly highlighted their struggles with mental health.
“It all came about from a chance conversation with the team at SSAFA,” said Karl at the launch.
“And I’m excited to be here with three highly respected guys from across the military about to embark on an adventure into the Arctic.
“Although some of our stories are more extreme, there are so many in the military who need support both with their physical and mental health.
“Whether encouraging others to take on their own challenge or to raise money to support military families across the country, this is bigger than just a 10 day, 500km arctic expedition.”
Project Fire and Ice is a self-supported ultra-challenge trek that will see the team take on a 500km unsupported Arctic expedition through the snow and ice of Swedish Lapland, dragging sleds containing all of their equipment and supplies needed to complete the challenge.
Jason Fox, former Royal Marine Commando who joined the SBS and later turned TV personality, added: “When I heard about the expedition, I jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s a privilege to be supporting SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, as they deliver vital support and services for veterans and forces families, allowing them to thrive.
“We are all no strangers to pushing ourselves and putting our bodies through stress and pain. However, although I’m sure there’ll be tough days, when you add into the mix the great team we have on the ice with Aldo, Brian, and Karl – there’ll be a lot of fun along the way.”
Project Fire and Ice is a challenge in every sense of the word – an extreme challenge that only the most dedicated of long-distance adventurers can take on.
Aldo Kane, former Royal Marines Commando Sniper turned extreme adventurer, added: “I’m a true believer in positive mental health. Building resilience in the mind helps us to achieve the seemingly impossible – and helps protect us when things get tough. That’s going to be key when we get out onto the ice.”
Brian Wood MC, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in the Battle of Danny Boy, a famous 2004 battle in Iraq that was adapted for the BBC Two miniseries Danny Boy.
Brian added, “Yesterday was the first time we got together as a team and were put through our paces. We’re all no strangers to a thrashing, but it was a taste of what is to come when we are out on the ice.
“When those frozen arctic winds kick in, it’ll be the team around us, and the thought of supporting other veterans through SSAFA, that will keep us going.”
This extreme ultra will take place in March 2025, with training events scheduled between now and then for the team to prepare for this physical and psychological event.
