On Thursday 26th March, our very own Jessica Yates, decked out in full kit and bergen, and completed a 10 mile hike as part of March in March in support of Combat Stress.
Jess is known at Ison Harrison, not only for her work in the family law team, but for her charity work. Each year she chooses a challenge to take on and this year, what started as an idea to “do something a little different” turned into one of the most physically demanding and emotionally significant challenges she’s taken on.
Together, with six others (including two former soldiers) Jess completed the hike carrying around 20kgs on her back. For someone who openly admits they do not go to the gym and would describe themselves as more of an “athlete type”, this was no small task. And despite calling it “the ultimate challenge” the team kept going, because this was about far more than a hike – it was for a worthwhile cause with a very personal element to it.
Why Combat Stress?
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They provide specialist treatment and support for former service personnel living with some of the most 
complex trauma-related mental health conditions resulting from military service. Their support lines are available 24/7, offering a lifeline to those in crisis.
For many veterans, the battle does not end when service ends. Making the transition from military to civilian life can be incredibly challenging, particularly for those carrying the invisible wounds of trauma. That’s what makes this cause deeply personal.
Jess herself along with her eldest daughter waited at home during her father’s tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Whilst it was hard for them, it was even harder for him. After 10 years of service, including time as a sniper, he left the military and had to adapt to civilian life – a transition that is not always straightforward.
Jess’ daughter’s uncle, an engineer who completed multiple tours, has also experienced first-hand the realities of service life. Both have lost friends to mental health struggles after leaving the Armed Forces.
Personal stories like Jess’ highlight much more than just statistics. There’s a very real and immediate need for dedicated, specialist mental health support for veterans.
The Day Itself
Despite the “why did I agree to this?” moments, Jess says the day was incredible and there was a real sense of camaraderie. The team stuck together, laughed and pushed each other on, because they understood the importance of why they were doing the hike.
Jess reflected on the challenge:
“This was without doubt the toughest physical challenge I’ve taken on, but it pales in comparison to the challenges faced by so many veterans living with trauma after service. Marching those 10 miles in kit gave us just a glimpse of the physical demands service personnel endure as part of their everyday roles. I’m so proud of myself and our team for pushing through and even prouder to support a charity that provides life-changing, and often life-saving, support to those who have given so much.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the event, shared the fundraising page and donated. Thanks to that generosity, we have raised £3804.02 for veterans’ mental health services.”
Standing with the Armed Forces Community
At Ison Harrison, our commitment to the Armed Forces community extends beyond fundraising. Through our specialist military injury claims service, we support serving personnel and veterans who have suffered injuries as a result of their service, including physical injuries, non-freezing cold injuries, hearing loss and psychological conditions such as PTSD.
We understand that bringing a claim can feel daunting. Many veterans worry about stigma or about how pursuing a claim may affect them. Our role is to provide clear, supportive advice and ensure that those who have suffered injury due to negligence receive the compensation, rehabilitation and long-term support they deserve.
Mental health injuries are real injuries. They can be life-altering and, in some cases, life-threatening. Events like March in March remind us why specialist support is so important.
Thank You
Every donation, no matter how small, helps ensure that support lines remain open 24/7 and that veterans facing their darkest moments have somewhere to turn.
If you would like to support this vital cause, you can still donate via the fundraising page.
And if you or a loved one has suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of military service and would like confidential advice, our specialist military injury claims team at Ison Harrison is here to help.
Call us on 0113 224 7837 or email militaryclaims@isonharrison.co.uk.
