In 2008/9 I had the honour of working with the UK, Danish and US military in Helmand, Afghanistan. First with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, then the UK Army's 19 Light Brigade and then US Marines. After 9 challenging and fascinating months I was lucky enough to return to my family.  I learnt a lot from time working closely with military and civilian colleagues in a difficult environment. 

Some servicemen and women are not so lucky. We learn about those who die when we see their faces on the news. However increasing numbers suffer from mental health problems after successive tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Combat Stress is the leading UK service provider in the care of Veterans' mental health. It was established after the end of the First World War to help rehabilitate those suffering the effects of what was then known as "shell shock", or post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then it has supported almost 100,000 veterans and is currently receiving new referrals at the rate of 1,200 per year.  It delivers specialist, trauma-focused treatment and support to ex-Servicemen and women whose problems are chronic, complex and long term. 

I am running the Miami half marathon to raise money for Combat Stress. You can read more about their work on their website - www.combatstress.org.uk - but please take the time to donate to this worthy cause. JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks

Kevin