Gurkha Veteran Raises £4,300 With Hotel Room Marathon

A British Army veteran has completed a full marathon in his 30ft hotel room while under strict quarantine, raising crucial funds for military veterans who have been impacted during the pandemic. 

Ash Alexander-Cooper, a former Gurkha officer, had travelled to Sydney, Australia, to reunite with his 12-year-old daughter after more than a year apart.

Due to strict coronavirus regulations, he had to complete a two-week quarantine in total isolation, confining himself to his hotel room with meals delivered to his door and unable to even open a window.

The veteran has been shot in both legs, survived a roadside bomb and a helicopter crash during a 22-year service career in which he became one of the British Army's most experienced operational specialists.

He decided to use the quarantine to raise crucial funds for a cause close to his heart, 'The Tommy Club', part of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) charity, which provides employment, tailored welfare support to veterans and their families, and assisted living for those who need it.

In his post-service career, Ash has become a leading mental health advocate and was inspired to take on the challenge after a recent survey by the RBLI revealed the damaging effects the pandemic has had on his fellow military veterans.

The survey found that one in 10 veterans feel their mental health has been significantly impacted due to the pandemic, with more than 30% identifying social isolation and loneliness as the biggest contributing factor.

Ash said: "My experiences in the Armed Forces have certainly had an impact on me.

"I'm very aware of the trauma and losses I've witnessed, but I'm also aware of just how incredibly lucky I am that my experiences have not taken too much of a toll on me since leaving the Armed Forces.

"My wounds remain primarily physical rather than mental.

"That sadly cannot be said for all military veterans... it's vital we, as a nation, do all we can to show our support," he added. 

Ash completed his marathon effort on Monday afternoon, running more than 4,600 lengths of his hotel room, but did not stop there, running an extra six miles "just for fun" to make sure he reached his £3,000 target.

His efforts have raised £4,300 so far.

Before the run, Ash said it had been "difficult to prepare", with limited space to manoeuvre in his hotel room. 

"Most importantly though, it's all about raising awareness and crucial funds for veterans at this incredibly difficult time and I hope it will inspire others to get behind the Tommy Club," he said.

The RBLI helps military veterans and their families, with two social enterprise factories, and a Kent village of care homes with assisted living accommodation and family homes.