AN ARMY major based at the Bulford Camp will be hoping to remain cool under pressure as he takes on an incredible charity challenge.
32-year-old major Joss Mowforth, from Glasgow, has set himself a challenge to run the London Marathon on April 27 with a fridge strapped to his back- and he plans to smash the world record in the process.
The current record for completing the marathon carrying a 27kg fridge stands at 3 hours, 53 minutes and 14 seconds.
This was first set in 2023 by Royal Marine corporal Sam Hammond.
Then, while Joss was training for the marathon, a Finnish runner beat the world record by almost an hour.
Joss, who was initially inspired by Sam Hammond’s record, is undeterred however and he has increased the intensity of his training schedule to focus on beating the new benchmark.
“I saw what Sam did and thought I could give him a run for his money,” Joss said.
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Although, he said he gets some odd looks when training on the Salisbury Plain.
He added: “Responses from the public vary.
“Some try to pretend it’s normal. Others just ask: ‘Is that heavy?’ Yes. ‘Why are you doing it?’ Unclear. ‘Are you okay?’ Debatable.”
Now based at Ward Barracks at Bulford Camp, Joss is responsible for planning all the deployments of 12 armoured brigade.
But he’s no stranger to juggling high-pressure jobs and personal challenges.
Joss has been training on the Salisbury Plain
“I’ve always enjoyed putting myself through unnecessary levels of physical discomfort for fun,” said Joss.
“Thankfully in the army that’s not just a hobby; it’s often part of the job.”
Originally from Milngavie, Glasgow, Joss studied astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh before joining the army in 2015.
He first encountered military life through the University Officer Training Corps, lured in by a free meal at a freshers’ fair.
What began as curiosity soon turned into a career.
“I had no intention of joining the regular army at the time,” he said.
“But I was always drawn to the practical side of things, so after university I applied to Sandhurst and never looked back.”
His military service has taken him around the world – from Estonia to Brunei, France to Oman – but it’s the people, not the places, that have made the biggest impact.
“It’s a job where you’re constantly surrounded by people who push you to be better,” he said.
Joss hopes to raise £2,500 for SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association).
The charity, founded in 1885, provides lifelong support to service personnel, veterans and their families.
Whether or not he breaks the record, Joss is determined to keep pushing boundaries.
“This might be my first world record attempt, but it won’t be the last,” he said.
“Unless I get overtaken by someone carrying a dishwasher.”
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