On Thursday 26 February, more than 170 fundraisers and veteran volunteers attended Combat Stress’ annual ‘Extra Mile’ awards at the In and Out Naval and Military Club in London.
Combat Stress Extra Mile Awards 2026 held at the In & Out Club, No. 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU
Thursday 26 February 2026
Zute Lightfoot on behalf of Combat Stress
The charity delivers specialist treatment and support to former service personnel across the UK with military-related trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder, but cannot do so without support.
The event was therefore devised to celebrate and recognise the incredible selflessness and dedication of individuals, teams and companies’ whose achievements and innovative fundraising have gone above and beyond all expectation.
The 18 worthy winners, as follows, were presented with their awards by the charity’s new President, Former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones:
- Cadet Unit of the Year – Ark Alexandra Academy CCF
- Challenge Champion of the Year – Alastair Golding
- Challenge Champions of the Year – Rome Wilkinson & Team IX
- Community Event of the Year – Bootfest
- Community Fundraiser of the Year – Sophie Sparkes & Kirsha Fowler
- Corporate Fundraiser of the Year – Chris McDowell
- Corporate Partner of the Year – Brit Insurance
- Endurance Fundraiser of the Year – Andy Geelan
- Endurance Fundraisers of the Year – James Fisher-Jones & 16 Signal Regiment
- Fundraiser of the Year – Jon James & Wes Hazley
- Fundraising Team of the Year – Bootneck Yomp 25
- Outstanding Commercial Achievement – Karen Cookson
- Outstanding Contribution of the Year – Andrew Robson
- Veteran Advocate of the Year – Pete White
- Veteran Ambassador of the Year – David Rowley
- Veteran Champion of the Year – Dave Ball
- Veteran Storyteller of the Year – Kevin Russell
- Volunteer of the Year – Jo Eversfield
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Combat Stress, said:
“Those who were recipients of our 2025 Awards, have shown exceptional and inspirational selflessness, bravery, resilience and determination to help support the life-changing difference we make. We were delighted to have the opportunity to recognise their efforts.
“No other charity does what we do. Combat Stress provides the most comprehensive veteran mental health treatment service in the UK, but we could not continue to do so without everything that every single one of our supporters do for us and the veterans who seek our help. And for that, we are eternally grateful.”
