For those affected by PTSD or C-PTSD, it’s not always about reaching the ‘summit’; sometimes, the most significant victories are found along the way.

For some, success may mean talking openly to a friend for the first time, reaching out to a GP, or starting treatment. These moments might seem small on the surface, but they’re significant milestones that reflect courage, resilience, and a commitment to healing. That’s why, for PTSD UK's 10th birthday fundraiser in September 2025, we’ve set our sights on Everest Base Camp. This isn’t just a stopping point but a powerful symbol of resilience and progress, at a staggering 5,364 metres (17,598 feet) above sea level. Reaching Base Camp is a monumental achievement that requires preparation, dedication, and grit—qualities that resonate deeply with the journey of recovery from PTSD and C-PTSD.

I have spent most of my adult life completely unaware that a seemingly endless trail of mental health struggles was in fact Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), a diagnosis which helped put words to a lifetime of confusing feelings. Misunderstood to the point that even those who live with PTSD & C-PTSD don’t always understand their condition, it makes a sad kind of sense that an alarming 70% of people affected receive no professional help at all. And yet, developing an intimate understanding of C-PTSD has allowed me to reclaim parts of my life I thought I’d never be able to manage, giving me freedom beyond that which I could ever have imagined.

Raising awareness is clearly vital, and it is for this reason that I am thrilled to support the incredible work of PTSD UK; the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting all those affected by PTSD & C-PTSD, no matter the trauma that caused it. A small charity with immense heart, PTSD UK is entirely funded by the generous donations of its supporters. Despite receiving no government subsidies or regular funding, our impact is huge: we work tirelessly to transform the lives of people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD, not only in terms of access to stigma-free support and resources, but also by raising awareness of the condition, reaching out to high-risk communities and helping to shape UK healthcare policies. Through our work, people like me are given a chance to take control of their diagnosis and work towards successful, sustained treatment and recovery.

Embarking on this trek with others who have navigated the challenging path of living with PTSD & C-PTSD will no doubt be life-changing; much like the towering heights of Everest’s summit, Base Camp is an extraordinary goal in its own right. Over 12-14 days of trekking across challenging terrain at altitudes that will challenge both my breath and my endurance, I have no doubt that this will be tough. But the journey to Base Camp reminds us that success isn’t a single, towering summit—it’s found in every step forward, every new height reached, and every moment of strength along the path. This trek reminds us that progress looks different for everyone, and sometimes the greatest strength is in setting meaningful ‘smaller’ goals and honouring each one. The path to Base Camp mirrors the journey with PTSD or C-PTSD: every step, every effort, and every achievement—no matter how ‘small’—is a testament to resilience and the power of taking each day as it comes.

I will be self-funding the cost of this trek, so every single penny donated here will go directly to support the work of PTSD UK; and believe me, we couldn't do what we do without people like you.