Our Team.
Our team is the heart of Battle of the Forces, from ex service members to spouses of current serving soldiers, ensuring all voices from serving, veterans and their families are seen, heard and supported.
Join the
Program
Arron Kennedy
Driven by a difficult childhood and a desire to save lives, Arron joined the army as a young adult, serving as a heavy weapons specialist with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment. Excited but anxious for his tour in Afghanistan, he faced unimaginable trials, including the death of comrades and, near the end of his tour, the devastating news that his father was dying. Flown to Dubai and then traveling alone to Manchester, Arron made it to the hospital just in time to say goodbye—still in his body armor.
Returning to base without proper support or decompression, Arron spiraled, leading to his discharge. Struggling with unmedicated CPTSD, he became homeless and turned to illegal substances, eventually landing in prison. After multiple suicide attempts, November 2024 became a turning point—Arron sought help and committed to change. Now clean and rebuilding his life, he’s launching a business and co-founded Battle of the Forces, using his story to inspire and support others.
Arron Kennedy
Sophs is a passionate mental health and neurodiversity advocate, having both Autism and ADHD herself. Sophs is a military spouse, and experienced recruiter with a strong track record of supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life. With years in the defence sector and a deep understanding of military family life, she created The Pad Wives Assemble podcast—offering humour, honesty, and support to service families. The podcast, which filled a much-needed gap, recently won UK Podcast of the Year 2025. A dedicated fundraiser for military charities, Sophs is now proud to co-found Battle of the Forces, continuing her mission to empower, connect, and uplift the military community
Event Director / Co-Founder
Sophie Sparkes
Event Director / Co-Founder
From a young age, Andy More—aka ‘Moorsey’—channeled his passion into karate, a dedication that led him to join the Army Foundation College at 17. By 2001, he was serving with the King’s Regiment, facing early challenges during fire strikes before deployments to Afghanistan, Kosovo, and then a life-altering tour in Iraq as a gunner and sniper. That experience left a lasting impact, marking the start of his struggle with PTSD.
After leaving the army in 2007, Andy battled through tough times, finding resilience through boxing and later MMA in Dubai. With the unwavering support of his wife—his rock, whom he married in 2018—Andy began to heal. Now a supervisor at Jet2, he lives with his wife and their three cats, using his story to support fellow veterans and advocate for mental health.
Andy Moore
Head of Logistics / Co- Founder
Liam Wheeler
Lead Boxer Liaison / Co-Founder
Head of Quality Assurance / Co-Founder
Nicolle
Head of Compliance / Co-Founder
Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Liam grew up in a broken home marked by violence and substance abuse. Forced out at 14, he found refuge with his girlfriend’s family. The loss of his grandfather—a father figure—hit hard but ultimately spurred him to join the Army in 2013, beginning a transformative journey.
Serving in the Duke of Lancaster Regiment (later The Ranger Regiment), Liam thrived during deployments to countries like France, Poland, the USA, and Kenya. With promotions and commendations, his military career seemed to fulfill his dreams.
But past traumas resurfaced, compounded by news of his father's illness. Struggling in silence, Liam spiraled into depression, drugs, homelessness, and crime. An arrest became a turning point, forcing him to confront his pain and choose a new path.
Today, supported by fellow veterans, Liam co-founded Battle of the Forces. Now stepping into the ring to raise funds and awareness, he’s fighting not just for himself—but for others who’ve faced the darkness and are searching for hope.
Kirsha is a dedicated advocate for mental health, shaped by her own personal experiences and a deep commitment to helping others feel seen and supported. As a mum and long-time military spouse, she brings a unique understanding of the challenges and strength within military life.
With years of experience working alongside and with member of the armed forces, Kirsha is passionate about building connection, community and people getting heard. She is the cohost of Pad Wives Assemble, an award-winning podcast created by her best friend Soph, giving a voice to military partners and sharing honest conversations about life behind the uniform.
Beyond the mic, Kirsha is actively involved in fundraising for military charities and is especially proud to be part of Battle of the Forces, continuing her mission to uplift and unite the military community.
Kirsha Fowler
​Proudly standing beside the Battle of the Forces family. Nicolle is more than just the partner of a veteran, she is part of a community that understands the strength, resilience, and sacrifice that come with service. Being involved in Battle of the Forces is her way of honoring that spirit. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines, helping with event compliance, or simply showing support, Nicolle brings heart, grit, and unwavering pride to every moment. This isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of our military families, and she is honored to be part of it.
At 18, Lee Rowlands—known as ‘Big Jim’—joined the army to rise above childhood bullying and prove doubters wrong. Inspired by his military roots, he deployed to Iraq in 2006, where the brutal reality of war hit hard during a violent riot. Just months in, tragedy struck—on September 11, Lee learned his mother had passed. Wracked with guilt and grief, he returned to duty the day after her funeral, feeling he had no choice but to stay strong for his unit.
By 2009, on another Iraq tour, Lee began self-medicating with illegal substances to cope. Following a difficult leave in 2010, he was discharged due to substance use. For six years, he battled PTSD in silence, coming close to ending his life before finally being diagnosed.
Since beginning EMDR therapy in 2020, Lee has steadily rebuilt his life. While the pain of his mother’s loss remains, he now channels his strength into helping fellow veterans avoid the darkness he once endured.
Join the
Program
