Hey 👋🏻 thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

My name is Jules Burnard and I am a former Royal Marine Commando.

I am a military veteran who suffers with mental health issues and have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my military service....

There said it , that’s the first time I have publicly admitted this!

I have lived with this for many years as I was in complete denial. I knew something was wrong but didn't know what, didn't understand it. Due to  the stigma associated with mental health and coming from the background of being a Royal Marine I struggled to deal with my issues and battled with my demons. This led to me becoming very ashamed and embarrassed about my condition. I learnt to hide it from friends, family and partners, avoid situations and became so good at pretending everything was ok until I was alone. I called this wearing my mask.

Now with help of the veterans charities, I am moving forward and in a much better place. Acceptance has played a big part in my journey battling my demons. Help and support the military charities and the veterans community has given me, has made such a difference and I now feel it is time for me to give something back which will benefit others like me.

For me physical exercise, being active and outdoors is fantastic medicine which really helps me. I enjoy pushing myself with physical challenges, so I have set myself a number of challenges this year in order to raise awareness of mental health and to raise some money for charity.

I was due to take part in the Montane Lake and 50-100 Ultra marathon as a part of Help for Heroes Team True Spirit this year. However due to the current situation with COVID-19 this was cancelled and as a result they launched a virtual version which I am aiming to complete.

I have entered the Lakeland 100 which means I need to cover a total of 105 miles in 7 days. During 20-26 July 2020 I will be running 15 miles a day for a week!!

For more info please visit:

https://resultsbase.net/event/5487

I am hoping to complete this challenge along with my dog Siuna. She has always been there and is my world. She is not only my companion but she is also my service dog/emotional support animal. She has made such a difference to my life and helped me to cope in many ways.

My chosen charity I am raising money for is SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. They have helped and support me during my journey, more recently helping me earlier this year when Siuna was very unwell after a poisoning incident.

SSAFA has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year the teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 85,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families.

As I have said I have some challenges lined up so if you can help me to raise my target I promise I will complete another challenge. Once I have reached my half way target I will announce details of my next challenge.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Lets make this happen.

Jules & Siuna