Only those that know me well know my story, but no one has worn my shoes. 

My dad retired in 2006, having spent 39 years travelling the world, deploying to Northern Ireland and the Middle East, to name a few. While an exciting prospect at the young age of 16, inevitably his commitment to serving had taken its toll by the time he hung up his boots at 55.

With little support offered to him, or us, those closest to him, the ghosts of this long career were left to haunt him. To many of you these ghosts are known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, but to him they were anger, confusion and depression, and to us they were aggression and violence.

The floor of what was my home became egg shells, and I became a direction for the confusion and aggression caused by his mental illness. I felt insecure, my self-esteem gradually eroded, and I was simply trapped.

My motivation then, and now has always been to make my dad proud, and despite the abuse I suffered at his hands, he too suffered abuse of his mind. I came out on top, pursuing a career in the military, a healthy career, which I enjoy and can be proud of. I believe it’s overcoming our own discomforts that can drive us all.

So, I’m going to do what I do best, cycle, run and swim for 24 hours, to raise money and awareness for SSAFA, an amazing charity which has been providing lifelong support to our Forces, and their families since 1885. In 2017, their staff and team of volunteers supported 73,227 people, from World War Two veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts. For every £1 that you donate to SSAFA, 89p will go directly to help their beneficiaries.

I couldn’t help my dad. But I can help others, dads and mums alike, and I invite you to join me on my quest to raise money and awareness on Mental Health Awareness day, 9th October at 1600, at Princes Risborough Leisure Springs Swim and Fitness centre, HP27 9AX, where I shall be completing as many sprint triathlons (400m swim, 20km bike and 5km run) as I can over 24 hours.

Thank you. 

Scott Worthing.