There is a particular kind of freedom that comes from skiing down a mountain - a sense of elation and a complete clearing of the mind. For the veterans I'll be supporting, that feeling matters more than most of us can know. These are men and women who have been medically discharged after serving their country, some with life-changing physical injuries, others managing chronic pain or PTSD. Their service has cost them a great deal - their careers, often their confidence, and sometimes their sense of purpose. SWV helps them find those things again - and it starts on the slopes.

Why I’m doing this

I have been fortunate to have skied for many years and have always found it an exhilarating experience. That is exactly why I'm volunteering as a Ski Buddy - I want to pass that feeling on to the veterans,and help give them the self-belief to achieve their goals.

Why this charity and why skiing?

Since 2012, Supporting Wounded Veterans has helped over 400 medically discharged veterans rebuild their lives. Each year, around 25 veterans are selected for a week of "ski-habilitation" in the Swiss Alps, skiing with qualified adaptive instructors and supported by a full medical team, alongside volunteer Ski Buddies like me. For many, it's the first time since their injury that they've been challenged, trusted, and made to feel part of a team again. The logic is simple and powerful - if you can ski down a mountain after a life-changing injury, every other goal starts to feel possible.

But the ski week is only the beginning. Back home, every veteran is paired with a mentor and supported through the charity's pain management, retraining and employment programmes to help them successfully transition to civilian life. Over 90% of the veterans the charity supports go on to find meaningful occupation and live a more fulfilling life.

My role as a buddy

I will be supporting one of the 25 veterans throughout the programme, both on and off the slopes - offering encouragement, practical help and simply just being there for them. I know it will be an emotional and intense week but what a privilege it will be to help build their confidence and restore their self-belief.

I will be covering my own travel costs and my accommodation is provided by generous locals in the resort so your donations will go directly to supporting the veterans.

Thank you so much for your support.