Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It’s been just under 10 years since we were overwhelmed with support in raising money for the William Gleeson Memorial Fund based at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Dublin.  If you donated, you may recall we walked the Kerry Way and raised a staggering €60,000!! 

Since the Kerry Way, I have been looking for another worthy cause, one that I am passionate about, and I am hugely thankful to my sister Sarah for bringing Supporting Wounded Veterans (SWV) to my attention.  SWV helps medically discharged military personnel with disabilities ranging from combat stress (PTSD) to physical (often life altering) injuries regain their confidence and improve their wellbeing with a view to gain employment. 

A recent report shows that the average veteran is twice as likely as their civilian counter-parts to be unemployed due to a lack of training opportunities and discrimination from employers but for medically discharged veterans the prospect for employment or meaningful occupation is much more bleak. However, a staggering 87% of Veterans who have worked with SWV are currently in employment which clearly demonstrates the benefits and positive results of this unique programme.

Each year, 26 wounded Veterans are selected into the ‘skihabilitation’ programme. Skiing has long been acknowledged as a fantastic sport for those with physical disabilities and visual impairments. It has transformative effects, helping to develop core strength and balance as well as motivation and confidence.  And for many, there is nothing like being in the mountains to inspire a sense of freedom.  

Each Veteran is paired up with a Ski Buddy who will act as a support, guide and friend and I am delighted to say that I have been chosen to be a Ski Buddy for the 2019 expedition.

I came off these slopes a different person, with a completely different frame of mind towards my own life and future.

2018 Veteran

You have allowed me to put some demons to bed and let me achieve a dream I NEVER thought might become a reality…

2018 Veteran

The ski week is set to be a transformational journey for all the Veterans and is often highly emotional. Many of the Veterans, due to the extent of their injuries or circumstances are living very isolated lives. The challenge and focus of skiing and general support help to unlock something positive for many of the Veterans in their rehabilitation.  Once back in the UK, the Veterans join a mentoring and job-seeking programme with the ultimate aim of helping them to re-integrate into society.

Whilst I will be covering 100% of my own costs, I need to raise as much money as possible for Supporting Wounded Veterans to enable them to continue with the programme.  To give you an idea of how your donation can help:

• £25 - is a valuable contribution towards SWV’s Veteran assistance costs

• £80 - helps fund one month of the mentoring programme for a Veteran

• £200 - pays for the hire of specialist adaptive skiing equipment (sit ski and outriggers) for Ski week

• £930 - helps to pay for ongoing assisting of a Veteran into sustainable employment

Accommodation is kindly donated by generous local supporters however, the average cost per Veteran to cover Ski Week and the ongoing programme of mentoring, pain management and employment advice is £14,200.

A previous Ski Buddy described the week as "the best, most humbling, exhilarating, exhausting and memorable week" and I feel privileged to have been selected to be a Ski Buddy.

Should you be able to support thus endeavour, no matter how small the donation might be, it would be hugely appreciated. Donating through 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.