After a frenetic operational tour in Basra in 2007, I suffered from PTSD. Like many soldiers, I ignored it, thinking night terrors and panic attacks were normal. It wasn’t until leaving the army that I was diagnosed, and with CBT and support I was able to rebuild my life. None of this would have been possible without organisations who focus on ex-service personnel, like Combat2Coffee, who provide not only support but a safe space to talk. Growing these organisations and normalising conversations around mental health is vital, which is why I’m proud to run in support of Combat2Coffee.

I wanted to run for Combat2Coffee to fundraise for a great organisation who are supporting serving and veterans within the community. When you leave the military, you also leave behind a strong sense of community, and that can sometimes feel isolating. Being involved with this charity helps you regain that connection and reminds you that you’re part of a community again—regardless of age, background, or circumstances.

This will be the third time I’m running the Ipswich Half Marathon for Combat2Coffee. The first time I ran, there were just two of us and this year there will be over 65! This growth is a testament to Nigel and his team for the incredible work they’ve done to grow Combat2Coffee and share their message that mental health matters. Nigel is my cousin, and I’ve never known anyone so dedicated to a cause. Well done to him and his team for the amazing work they do.

I have always admired the work of Combat2Coffee from afar. As a coffee lover and someone who has faced personal struggles with mental health, it is an honour to have the chance to support such a worthy cause. I cannot wait to push myself to the finish line with the support of such a large running group and, in the process, raise awareness for the outstanding work Combat2Coffee does in the community.

After losing my husband Chris to suicide following his 21 years of service in the Army, it was important for me to find my place in the Armed Forces community again. I found this through the Combat2Coffee coffee mornings. As a veteran myself, living with PTSD, the support I’ve received from these groups has been invaluable and just as importantly, it has meant that Chris is remembered by the whole community. I am running on Sunday to say thank you and to show others that life can get better.

Being part of the Combat2Coffee team, I’ve seen firsthand the real impact our work has. One woman told us she didn’t think her husband would still be here without Combat2Coffee’s support — that’s how powerful this work is. This is about more than coffee. More than running. It’s about connection, speaking out, and changing lives. This Sunday, I’ll be running to shout loud and clear that mental health matters.

Combat2Coffee have personally helped me during some tough times, and many other people who have struggled or needed somewhere to go or someone to talk to. Last year I went through a really rough patch with my mental health, but with the support of Nigel & Combat2Coffee I was able to get the appropriate help and get back on track. I am now in a much more positive place, and it’s my turn to raise some awareness and give something back to them.

I'm proud to be running the Ipswich Half Marathon for Combat2Coffee – not only because I am part of the team so see the amazing work they do, but because its mission is close to my heart. I admire the journey Nigel has been on, and how Combat2Coffee has grown to be able to support so many people. I want to spread the message that support is out there, and that no one should struggle alone.