Completing a 13‑mile run is a major achievement for anyone, but for Jonny Ashton it marked just how far he’d come after an incredibly tough year.
Jonny was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2023 and underwent months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy that left him two stone lighter and facing obvious mental strain.
A visit to Jubilee House became a turning point, helping him rebuild his strength, return to operational duties as a Group Manager with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and eventually complete the Great North Run.
“Firefighting was always something I wanted to do, so the diagnosis completely turned my life upside down,” Jonny says. “I found a lump in my neck one morning while shaving. Blood tests were fine, but a scan and biopsy confirmed cancer in my tonsils – on my birthday, of all days.”
He began six weeks of radiotherapy and weekly chemotherapy, although an adverse reaction meant he couldn’t complete the full chemo course. Throughout, he and his partner were open with their young children, trying to keep life as normal as possible.
Credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
“As part of my treatment I required a feeding tube be fitted to my stomach, but fortunately I was able to eat through it which really helped,” Jonny adds. “The whole experience was really unpleasant, but the recovery mindset kicked in from the moment treatment ended.
On the day of the 2024 Grand National, Jonny received the news he’d hoped for: a complete response to treatment.
“That’s when contacting the charity felt like the next logical step, helping me get to the ‘new version’ of me,” he says. “I’d lost so much muscle, so coming on a physical health programme was amazing.”
Credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
Jonny attended Jubilee House for a week, where he joined a group of others from across the fire services community and was offered physiotherapy, exercise therapy, wellbeing sessions and, importantly, a break.
“Simple things like someone making you really nice food each day, and getting you away from your normal surroundings, made such a difference,” he adds.
“Treatment puts you in such a routine, barely walking anywhere, and it really affects your mental health. So being in a different setting, with new people, and being encouraged to push yourself in a controlled way was really, really good. You leave knowing you’re going to come out the other side. The treatment throughout was first class.
Credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
The mix of operational firefighters, retired members and Control Officers on his programme also helped Jonny feel part of the fire service “family” again. “Some were on their second or third visit. It’s not a one‑off – it’s continued support. Sharing stories and realising you’re not alone was superb.”
Around 10 weeks later, Jonny went back operational again. And he’s since gone on to fundraise in aid of us to spread the word about our support.
“In a previous life I was actually a professional golfer, so I organised a 24-hour golf marathon on an indoor simulator,” he says. “I then did the Great North Run too.
Source: Great North Run
“If you’re in the service, contact one of your charity reps. If you don’t know who they are, just ask and look on the website. There’s so much good information around what’s on offer. Just remember, it’s not just for you, it’s for your children and your family. The work they do is amazing.”
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or click below: