My Dear family & friends ……

This year like last year .. I’ve decided to take on an incredible personal challenge of Swimming 150 miles of open water swims including the Epic triple Crown Chill Swim .The 3 Great Lakes in the North of England the full full length of .Windermere , Ullswater, Coniston 11miles 6 miles , 5 miles … and the the great Iconic Beachy head to Eastbourne 6 miles sea swim and the Henley Thames Marathon 9 mile river swim. And my daily sea swim’s through out the seasons .Im delighted to be swimming on behalf of Supporting Wounded Veterans (SWV) again which is a charity close to my heart. Which is personally helping throughout the last two years …………

I had the pleasure of having the most remarkable week of skiing with the charity in March last year. And this this March. and Ive gone through the SWV program I’ve had counselling and a wonderful mentor on a weekly basis which has changed my life around thanks to SWV .It was truly the trip of a lifetime to mix with fellow veterans a lot of whom had suffered life changing injuries. I felt very humble to be amongst them and I do believe that the ski week has helped me to make changes for the better in my own life. The SWV charity is like an extended family for me now. They really truly do look after you, offering so much support, care and guidance. Their sole aim is to help medically discharged veterans with physical and mental health injuries back into some form of meaningful employment. They achieve this through the power of sport to aid rehabilitation, Buddies during that process, Mentors, Pain Management, Veterans support network and mental health support. 90% of the Veterans they support are able to return to some form of meaningful employment.

3 Months ago I got an invite to join them again in March this year … and also … got offered to became a Veterans Ambassador…. Which im ever so proud of … and cannot wait for the challenge ……

My role will be to help fellow veterans ,and promote this wonderful charity….throughout the year can hardly wait …..

A massive Thanks for support on my journey on this challenge .. to Eastbourne swimming community, they push me to the limits .. Gaz& Big Ben .. for there encouragements.. and Claire , and Beth , from Swim trek Brighton for coaching me helping my technique to reduce pain .. and Beth for all the hard administrative bookings she as so kindly done for me .. and Swim Trek for giving me a great discount so I can use there facilities there 50 meter open air pool .. 🏊‍♂️.. thanks Guys …

Well, my story:

Having joined the 3rd Battalion Parachute regiment in 1981at the age of 17, I went to the Falkland Islands War in 1982 where I was personally involved in the fierce battle of Mount Longdon. It was truly a brutal battle and 23 members of my battalion were sadly killed and 56 suffered life changing injuries. This affected me badly. I was suffering from survival guilt and my Army career was sadly cut short. In 2006 I was diagnosed with PTSD. I suffered in silence and for many years I was in a dark place. Heavy drinking, violence, depression , destruction and much more and sadly. My marriage fell apart. My health deteriorated and I was given psychotic medication which led me to a more depressive states. Luckily, I had my loving family and friends whom stood by me, in these days of my life. My family and faith are very important to me as is the love of swimming, cycling and looking after ex veteran's. Either calling them on the phone our taking them to Church. My Son also Andrew as joined 4Para, and hopefully next year if lucky I can go on tour with 4 Para back to the Falkalnds …..I can do a battle field tour if possible….I’m swimming most days of the year in the sea. I have a great bunch of Guys & Girls whom push me on throughout the year .And thanks to SWV finding me a great mentor, whom calls me on a weekly basis Alex, a fellow War veteran a great bloke ..Im now in different place to where I once was. My swimming suppresses my PTSD and it’s great for my mental well-being. I feel I’ve achieved success and swimming suppress the demons and pain ,that lie within me. I’m very lucky that I have a great understanding GP, Nick Woodall who has supported me over the last 8 years I have a great bunch of buddies whom I swim with 6 days a week in Eastbourne they always push me on . And Claire,& Beth a great understanding swim coach … from swim Trek Brighton ..Swim Trek kindly gave me discount ..for my swim coaching so I could pursue these long distance swims … this as helped me improve my technique to help with me mobility and to ease the pain I have whilst swimming .I have raised funds in the past for SWV, SSAFA and RBL and also Help for Heroes and the King Edward V11 hospital for veterans who need financial assistance for treatment.

As well as my PTSD, I have suffered numerous injuries and had several operations on my shoulder, neck , spine, and groin and knee, I soldier on and will always strive to go that little bit further. Im 61, now . I’m up for a challenge and together we can make a difference to the lives of these brave individuals who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Please join me in supporting this wonderful Supporting Wounded Veterans charity and let’s show our gratitude by helping them to rebuild lives. The charity is making me a better person and I shall always be grateful for what SWV has done for me.

I thank each and everyone for your generosity in supporting me to raise funds for SWV……

Last year .. I had the pleasure of swimming The Henley, Thames Marathon swim 9 miles …and Lake Windermere 11 miles end to end … and amazingly raised £7,600 for SWV……….

God bless you all and a massive thank you for supporting me in my endurance swims ……for SWV….. My very best wishes . Andy ..

Andrew Geoghegan - ex 3Para Falklands Veteran. By donating through Just Giving you can rest assured that your details are safe and secure. Just Giving will never sell your information or send unwanted emails. Your money will go directly to Supporting Wounded Veterans and will be used to fund their rehabilitation programmes.