Morton James Founder Jessica Singer is set to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Florida on 9 May, raising funds for Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation.
The challenge comes as WiTR+ in January named Morgan’s Army its official charity partner for 2026. The charity was jointly nominated by the late Sinead Moodie, formerly Chief Operating Officer of The Moodie Davitt Report, and Publisher Irene Revilla.
Singer will take on the race alongside her husband, Mark, tackling a 1.9km swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 90km bike ride along Panama City Beach, and what she described as “no doubt a very hot and painful half marathon”.
This marks the couple’s second participation in the event, following an intensive training programme.
She said, “The training hurts, the race will be extremely challenging, but we decided to continue pushing ourselves to be role models for our two boys, and showing them that sport, health and raising money for charity are all pillars that are very important to us and hopefully will be for them in the future.”
Speaking of her connection to WiTR+, Singer added: “I have always been a member of Women in Travel Retail + since my father introduced me to Sarah Branquinho and Gerry Munday many years ago. It has been a joy to be part of the association through international events and the mentoring scheme and getting to meet our incredible members from all corners of the world.”
Based in Wales, Morgan’s Army was founded by Natalie and Matthew Ridler after their son Morgan’s death from cancer, aged three. The charity supports families across South Wales affected by childhood cancer, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked siblings of young cancer patients.
The charity also works to raise awareness of childhood and young people’s cancers to facilitate earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
WiTR+ will aim to raise €15,000 in 2026 to fund a structured monthly and bi-monthly sibling support programme. The initiative is expected to benefit almost 500 children whose brother or sister is undergoing cancer treatment.
The programme will provide dedicated time, safe spaces and carefully designed activities to help siblings explore their emotions, build confidence, connect with peers who share similar experiences and feel supported during an exceptionally challenging period for their families.
On a more personal level, Singer noted the charity’s sentimental significance to her husband Mark’s family. His late grandparents, who passed this past year at the ages of 98 and 97 after an incredible 75 years of marriage, spent around 20 years living in South Wales, where his mother was born.
To support Jessica and Mark Singer’s Ironman 70.3 challenge and help raise vital funds for Morgan’s Army, please visit their JustGiving page. ✈
