Graham Jones

Originally from North Wales, I was born and brought up in a small village called Coedpoeth, just outside Wrexham. I left school at 16 to pursue a career in the Armed Forces, joining the Royal Marines in September 1980. Passing my training in July 1981, I was posted to 45 Commando in Arbroath.

In 1982, I was involved in the Falklands Conflict and then following this, spent my time in the Corps between: Plymouth, Poole and the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone. I was with the Corps for several years, eventually leaving in June 1991.

After leaving the Corps, I joined Grampian Police Force where I was a Community Patrol Officer until I transferred to Cheshire Constabulary in 1999. During my time with the Cheshire Constabulary, I served in Warrington and then Chester as a Patrol Officer until 2006, when I qualified to become a Police Dog Handler covering the county of Cheshire and the North Wales region.

In 2014, I retired from the Police Service, returning to work for Cheshire Constabulary as a Team Leader within the Witness Care Unit. The main duties for this unit were to look after and assist vulnerable Victims of Crime and Witnesses throughout the judicial and Court process. I remained in this role until successfully taking on the role of Project Officer and now taking the helm as CEO for Woody’s Lodge.

My passion has always been Armed Forces veteran’s welfare, for both their physical and mental health. In the last few years, I have become a Royal Marines Association Support Network Officer qualifying as a TRIM practitioner, a SSAFA caseworker and a Mental Health First Aider. I am also the Chairman and Secretary for the Royal Marines Association (North Wales Branch).