I joined the RM back in early 2000’s, but unfortunately It was never to be for me when I picked up an injury days before my cmdo tests, after an MRI I had the option of medical discharge or operations, I opted for the operations which sadly didn’t work.

I then found myself being handed an medical discharge and my dreams of being a boot neck ending with the green lid being painfully close(4 days away), I’m not going to lie I’m still gutted to this day that it never was.

But!!!

I was fortunate enough during my time at CTC that many lasting friendships were made and many of my friends went on to serve around the world and I hold them all in the highest regard.

I moved into the public sector several years after and my medical discharge nearly prevented that career.

Through my current job I’ve seen first hand how devastating the effects of suicide can be on those left behind, I‘ve also been able to get people help to stop them going down that road and have been able to help some ex veterans get help and support along with housing.

Sadly late last year one of my pals I joined with, who had served 10yrs in the Royal Marines lost his battle with PTSD.

I see so many charities and organisations out there helping our ex servicemen\women with PTSD and rely on donations etc so they can continue to support those