In 2019 I was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing a series of traumatic incidents.  I knew I was unwell but the diagnosis still came as a massive shock.

Andy (my husband) did not know who to turn to and reached out to my work and my Supervisor. Immediately with support from my Supervisor, Police Federation Rep and other senior members of management he was told to find the right treatment for me, and Police Care UK agreed to provide the funding for my treatment.

I then spent two and a half months in a London Hospital, separated  from my husband and two daughters. It was extremely hard to be away from my family and not be there for my daughter’s but I knew it had to be done if I ever stood a chance of surviving.

In hospital I learnt a lot about CPTSD and ways to deal with my condition. This was through group therapy, one to one therapy, EMDR and various Mindfulness Sessions.  There were times whilst I was in hospital that I thought I’m never going back to work, that I wouldn’t be allowed or I would not be accepted back but this hasn’t been the case. I have been fully supported by my work and with my ongoing therapy and have thankfully been able to return to work.

During my recovery I discovered that I a wore a mask and it took a long time from becoming ill to feel safe in removing that mask and showing my vulnerability. This including talking, which I really struggled with, as I didn’t want people to see that I couldn’t cope.  CPTSD is sometimes talked of in terms of the ‘drip, drip drip effect of trauma and there is only so much a bucket can hold until it spills over.

The support and funding that me and my family have received has been immense and we will be eternally grateful, as this means that me and my family can see a positive future.

PCUK are independent of the police service, and are funded entirely by donations and fundraising.  Andy and I now want to raise as much money as we can by taking in this mammoth challenge of running a ‘50k Ultra Marathon, which undoubtedly will be as mentally as physically challenging.  This will assist other serving and veteran Police Officers and staff, volunteers, and their families to have access to help that’s right for them.

Please can we ask you to dig deep and support Andy and I in raising as much funding as possible for what we can only describe as an amazing and supportive charity.