At Ascent, collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. Every day, our teams work alongside our military colleagues and suppliers to deliver world-class flying training, and that partnership often extends far beyond the workplace.
That spirit was on full display during this year’s RAF Valley Whole Force Round the Island Run, a 24-hour relay covering the 200km coastline of Anglesey.
With around 60 participants from across RAF Valley, the event was an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the relationships that exist between military personnel, civilian employees and industry partners, all united behind a common purpose.
Ascent was represented by Fast Jet team members Mike Jones, Dan Leaker, Roger Cruickshank and Simon Dutton.
Although each leg presented different scenery, none came easily. Runners battled soaring summer temperatures, uneven coastal trails, overgrown footpaths, loose sand beneath their feet and relentless climbs along Anglesey’s spectacular coastline. Every kilometre demanded determination, resilience and teamwork.
For Mike Jones, who completed three demanding relay legs throughout the 24-hour event, the challenge concluded with the honour of leading the team (combined military/Ascent) on the final leg through the main gates of RAF Valley, before crossing the finish line outside the Moran Building. A fitting end to an event that perfectly reflected the partnership between industry and the RAF.
Collaborating as one team
At RAF Valley, military personnel, civil servants and industry partners work together every day with one shared objective: delivering safe, effective and professional flying training. Events such as the Round the Island Run reinforce those relationships, strengthening trust, camaraderie and mutual respect.
That collaborative culture doesn’t just make RAF Valley a great place to work — it directly supports the success of the flying programme. Strong relationships, open communication and a genuine sense of teamwork create an environment where people are motivated to support one another, solve problems together and deliver excellence every single day.
Ascent is incredibly proud of everyone who took part and of the enduring partnership we share with our RAF colleagues. Together, we continue to build a workplace where teamwork, wellbeing and shared success remain at the forefront of everything we do.
