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In April I shall be running the Marathon des Sables to raise money for Combat Stress. This is a completely new challenge for me with sand instead of snow and temperatures of 40 degrees rather than -50. If you are able to donate to a very worthwhile but little known charity, it will be much appreciated. An initiative like Combat Stress would have been a fantastic help to my father-in-law who still suffered fifty years after being sunk twice in the Battle of the Atlantic. Please read on for details of the MdS and Combat Stress.
The Marathon des Sables
The MdS is a seven day, 150 mile ultramarathon, which is the equivalent to six regular marathons. The longest single stage is 55 miles long. This race is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth with competitors carrying all the kit and food they need for the entire event.
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the leading charity specialising in the care of British Veterans who have been profoundly traumatised by harrowing experiences during their Service career.
Many Veterans leave the Armed Forces with highly debilitating conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety disorders. Their problems can remain masked for years, and they and their families may be struggling to deal with matters at home. Combat Stress is able to provide dedicated, short-stay clinical treatment and community outreach services to meet Veterans' needs.
Combat Stress looks after Veterans of every campaign that British Forces have been involved in since the First World War. They have a current caseload of approximately 4,200 Veterans. This includes 77 who have served in Afghanistan and 346 who served in Iraq - this will is thought to be the 'tip of the iceberg' from these recent operations as, on average, it takes over 14 years after Service discharge for Veterans to make the first-step approach to Combat Stress for help, by which time their condition is often chronic.
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