Veteran Rifleman Paul Jacobs GM to Climb Ben Nevis for Veterans’ Charity

Ancre Somme Association Scotland SCIO is proud to announce that Paul Jacobs GM, a decorated war veteran and ASA Scotland Ambassador, will undertake a monumental climb of Ben Nevis on Saturday, 28th June 2025, to raise vital funds for veterans and support memorial projects.

In 2009, at just 20 years old, Paul was severely injured while serving with 2nd Battalion The Rifles in Afghanistan. During a patrol in the Upper Sangin Valley, Paul was caught in a devastating Taliban IED explosion that killed two comrades—Serjeant Paul McAleese and Private Johnathon Young—and left him with life-changing injuries, including the loss of his sight and a traumatic brain injury.

Despite being blinded and seriously wounded, Paul showed extraordinary bravery, crawling to a mine-free area so his unit could safely extract him. He was later awarded the George Medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his “faultless courage, selflessness and dedication to his unit.”

Since leaving the Army in 2012, Paul has become a tireless advocate for fellow veterans, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds through incredible physical feats, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cycling 500 miles, skydiving, marathons, and becoming the first blind war veteran to reach Mount Everest Base Camp. He even returned to his beloved sport of boxing, facing sighted opponents in the ring.

Now, Paul is taking on Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, to raise £30,000 for ASA Scotland SCIO, supporting projects for veterans and commemorative memorials across the country.

“This climb is deeply personal for me,” Paul said. “I’ll be thinking of Paul McAleese, Johnathon Young, and every brave man and woman who’s made the ultimate sacrifice or lives with the scars of service.”

Joining Paul on the climb will be Medic Major Donnie Harris, providing medical support, and Piper Kevin McLean, who will honour the occasion with music at the summit—bagpipes permitting!

You can support Paul’s inspiring challenge by donating here:

👉 https://asascotland.enthuse.com/cf/paul-jacobs-gm-ben-nevis-who-cares-shares-challeng/post/14977920

Website: www.asascotland.org