My brother and I both served on active tours; him in Kosovo and Bosnia, me in Iraq.  Both of us have suffered from PTSD and depression and have needed help. For me it came to a head 5 and a half years after I got back.  I'd already been treated for PTSD because of nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety relating to the experiences, but things started getting worse. 

Back then, I was a Captain managing the operations for 150 soldiers and officers and, despite some of them suffering minor injuries and wounds, they all came back alive. 

Since then, two of the guys have taken their own lives because of their experiences and a number of friends have lost their lives in Afghanistan.  I had left the forces and started feeling guilty that soldiers and friends were dying around me, but I was not doing my bit and not there to help them. 

The PTSD symptoms were returning with a vengance.  On 14th June 2009, I suffered a complete breakdown.  I have been undergoing treatment since that night and am making improvements with my kind, loving family right behind me.  

Now to the point of this page - the NHS have limited resources to help people like me and with the current pace of operations in Afghanistan, our country is sitting on a ticking timebomb of ex-forces personnel needing help.  Combat Stress is a charity formed in 1919 to look after the needs of war veterans, with 3 hospitals around the UK, and they have been wonderful in helping me.  Treating each individual costs Combat Stress approximately £2100 each week.  I was determined that I pay my way, but my Brother and his wife have been fundraising and have already raised enough to pay for my first stay.  I am determined to pay for a few more like me to have a stay too.  We're aiming to raise £21k in total, which should pay for ten others to receive residential care for a week each.

Next summer, I'm planning to cycle John O'Groats to Land's End, solo, unsupported and within 3 to 5 days. The route I have selected is a bit scenic, so at 960 miles I should be doing 200-300 miles per day. I'll carry all I need, but am only planning to stop for short breaks and fight through as quickly as I can.

Despite going solo, I'd appreciate riding buddies for short stretches along the way (will conserve my ipod battery if I can talk to someone) and will publish the route if anyone fancies meeting up on the road?  I'm aiming to publish a start date soon.

 

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