I've decided to take on this challenge after I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and this is my way of giving something back to say thank you and show my appreciation for all the help I have received and the ongoing support. I was misdiagnosed for quite a long time and it left me confused, feeling that I would never be able to battle my demons. Having served 17 years in the army (still serving) and having completed 9 tours in several locations and war zones has clearly taken it's toll on me even though for a very long time I was convinced that all the things I'd seen and witnessed (friends and comrades injured and/or lost) hadn't affected me. They have! They caught up with me! I lived with the guilt. I fell into this big, dark hole I couldn't get out of. Alcohol became a good friend. Maybe my best friend. It helped me to forget albeit for a short time. But it numbed the pain for that short time. I was soon classed as an "Alcoholic" by medical professionals. I accepted the "Alcoholic label" but deep down I knew I wasn't an alcoholic. So did all the people who know me best. But I sank deeper into this black hole. Suicidal thoughts on my mind. I was ready. Ready to leave family and friends behind. I sat down and wrote "Good bye" letters to all my loved ones. I planned my suicide. Researched best places to commit suicide. I was so lost and in my mind the only way out was to end my life. Stop living with "Survivors guilt" and all those horrible memories of the things I'd seen. I was ready to leave for good. But for some unknown reason, that night, one of the lads came into my room and realised something was seriously wrong. Alarm bells went off. I was taken to a safe place and got sectioned. I still accepted to be labelled an alcoholic but within a couple of weeks after being reassessed it soon became clear that I was suffering with PTSD and had been for all this time. I wasn't an alcoholic after all. But it was easier for me to be classed as an alcoholic than to accept and admit that I in fact have PTSD. I received great support and treatment from the Army and medical professionals and it's still ongoing. I now know that I have PTSD and that I will live with PTSD for the rest of my life. Still a long way to go. But it's manageable and I now have a positive outlook on life and the future. I am just one of many, many sufferers and I'm glad I was caught whilst I was falling. Sadly, some people aren't as lucky and can't see a way out. Which is why I've taken on this challenge. I feel I want to give something back. Raise awareness and show other sufferers that there is help out there. There is light! There is support! My challenge starts on 06//11/2016 at Langtree Park in St. Helens and I will complete it on 28/11/2016 at Langtree Park in St. Helens. Every day for 22 days I will be walking 26 miles (Langtree Park to Fulwood and vice versa)carrying 60lbs. It would be fantastic if any of yous would take part (even if it's just for a mile or 2) or just come and see me to cheer me on. All your support is greatly appreciated. It would also be amazing if you could dig deep and donate some pennies as every little amount helps to support this great charity. Please help me to help others. To raise awareness and to say THANK YOU!

Many thanks to my equipment sponsors 

Louis William Jewellers 

Hi-Tech Steel Services 

Equal Energy 

E.D.S Utility Infastructure Services 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.