Former Seagulls defender taking on epic challenge to raise money for Albion in the Community
A former Brighton & Hove Albion player is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Albion in the Community (AITC).
Vicky Ashton-Jones played a key role in last season’s FA Women’s Super League 2 campaign and was a hugely-popular figure during her time at the club, being appointed club captain after she was nominated for the role by teammates and coaching staff.
Her importance to the team often meant juggling her role at the heart of the Albion’s defence with her job in the police. The Seagulls squad has gone full-time ahead of the 2018/19 FA WSL season, with Ashton-Jones now concentrating on her role as a firearms officer in Kent Police’s armed response unit.
However, no longer running out in the stripes has not dimmed her affection for the club and when a friend mentioned climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, she jumped at the chance – particularly as it meant she could raise money for AITC.
She said: “It’s something I’ve thought about doing previously, but I’ve always had other commitments – whether that be football or work.
“I had some leave booked and was thinking about a beach holiday but my friend asked if I’d be interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro instead. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I can combine with raising money for a great cause, so it was an absolute no-brainer.
“Still being involved with the club and the people there is important to me. I was proud to play for Brighton & Hove Albion and during my time at the club I saw the incredible work AITC does. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an opportunity to raise money for a charity which means a lot to me.”
Ashton-Jones departs for Tanzania on 10 September, with a week-long trek awaiting her when she lands. “I’m feeling good at the moment,” she explained, “but I fully appreciate it will be difficult.
“The route I am doing is one of the hardest and you have to get used to the altitude. I have a mask to help with altitude training and replicate the restriction of oxygen.
“I have injections next week too. It’s a different challenge but naturally you always want to succeed.”
Ashton Jones is taking on the epic challenge in support of AITC’s Get Active for AITC campaign, which was launched at the recent Premier League game with Manchester United.
The charity hopes to encourage fans to raise £100,000 and cover a combined 10,000 miles.
Ashton-Jones can be sponsored online at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vickyashton-jones.
Or, to find out how to get involved with Get Active for AITC, visit: https://home.givepenny.com/getactive/.