Philip is Supporting Wounded Veterans
Philip Greenacre is raising money for Supporting Wounded Veterans Ltd
Participants: 26 medically discharged veterans are each supported by a buddy, a team of adaptive ski instructors, physios and medics
Story
Dear Friend, many thanks indeed for visiting this page. I’ve loved skiing for over 50 years and now I want to give something back. I’m honoured to have been selected for the March 2020 Ski Buddy team of Supporting Wounded Veterans and I’m keen to raise as much as I can for this extraordinary UK charity.
SWV helps medically discharged veterans return to employment. Former service men and women, many of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan, are supported through a specially designed 'ski-habilitation' week followed by pain management, mentoring, and employment programmes. Many of the veterans have severe disabilities including amputation, blindness, head injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
As in previous years, the 2020 SkiHabilitation week is hosted by Klosters, the first resort in Switzerland to seriously embrace disabled skiing. Physically, paralympic sport is a powerful route to helping rebuild atrophied core muscles; emotionally, the challenge and sense of achievement boosts self-esteem. Both are essential for overcoming the despair that can come with combat injury and stress.
As a ‘buddy’ my job will be to support one of 26 veterans in whatever way necessary and to assist the adaptive ski instructors. It’s going to be hard work and most definitely not a holiday but it promises to be hugely rewarding. During the week I will help ‘my’ veteran through a process designed to re-discover confidence, regain well-being, and embark on the path to finding a meaningful occupation. So far, the results have been fantastic - 90% of veterans who’ve worked with SWV are currently in employment!
Rest assured, I will be covering my costs and also making a significant donation of my own but obviously I want to raise as much money as possible to further the work of this wonderful organisation. Anything you can give - however big or small - will help re-build lives and is greatly appreciated! Here is an idea of the value of donations:
£25 - is a valuable contribution towards SWV’s Veteran assistance costs.
£80 - helps fund one month of the mentoring programme for a Veteran. Support can take many forms, from the building of business plans and instigating lifestyle routines, to seeking the right professional or medical advice or creating an achievable ‘get back to life’ plan.
£200 – Pays for the hire of specialist adaptive skiing equipment (sit ski and outriggers) during the Ski week.
For more information, please visit their website:
http://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com
Many thanks for your support!
“You have allowed me to put some demons to bed and let me achieve a dream I NEVER thought might become a reality...” 2018 Veteran
“I came off these slopes a different person, with a completely different frame of mind towards my own life and future.” 2018 Veteran