My name is Yeoman Warder Scott Kelly – Beefy409 – and I’m proud to be the 409th Yeoman Warder at HM Tower of London, more commonly known as a Beefeater.
Before joining the Tower, I served for 24 years in the Army Air Corps, rising to Squadron Sergeant Major and serving around the world, including operational tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, South East Asia and Afghanistan.
Sport has also played a huge part in my life. I represented Exeter Chiefs up to first-team level and played for the British Army First XV, including being capped during the Inter Services Cup.
These days, alongside my role at the Tower, I share stories, vlogs and a glimpse behind the scenes of life as a Yeoman Warder through @Beefy409, building a community of more than 150,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
But one of the things closest to my heart is using that platform – and occasionally putting myself through some fairly ridiculous physical challenges – to help others.
I’m a passionate supporter of Team Endeavour, The Rawthey Project, RAMIT Rugby, MND Association and Wooden Spoon Charity.
Many of my challenges have involved carrying The Unknown Soldier – a weighted mannequin representing the military principle of never leaving a fallen comrade behind and carrying your mate off the battlefield.
Together, The Unknown Soldier and I have taken on the London Marathon in 2023, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2024, and in February 2025 we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
Those challenges have helped raise more than £100,000, as well as vital awareness for veterans, mental health and other causes that mean an enormous amount to me.
Next stop: Mount Fuji
Now it’s time for another adventure.
I’ll be joining Team Endeavour for the Sea 2 Summit – Mt Fuji 2026 challenge, travelling to Japan to take on an incredible journey from sea level towards the summit of one of the world’s most iconic mountains.
And yes… The Unknown Soldier is coming too.
Carrying a weighted soldier up Mount Fuji is going to make an already demanding challenge considerably harder, but that is exactly the point.
The weight represents something much bigger than the challenge itself – the burden that so many people carry every single day, particularly those struggling with their mental health.
Together, we’ll be raising funds and awareness in support of:
Team Endeavour • The Rawthey Project • RAMIT Rugby • MND Association • Wooden Spoon Charity
Mental health remains an issue that we simply cannot stop talking about. Every conversation helps break down the stigma. Every person reached could be somebody who realises that asking for help is okay.
We’ll also be supporting the MND community and the incredible work of Wooden Spoon, which uses the power of rugby to help transform the lives of children and young people.
So why put myself through another challenge, another mountain and another helping of pain?
The answer is actually pretty simple… Because people need our help.
If doing something difficult gets people talking, raises awareness, generates funds and ultimately helps someone who is struggling, then every painful step is worth it.
I’m nervous. I’m excited. And I’m incredibly proud to be taking this challenge on alongside The Unknown Soldier and Team Endeavour.
Mount Fuji… here we come! 🇯🇵🏔️
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