Supporting Wounded Veterans (“SWV”) is a charity dedicated to delivering independence to UK Veterans through inspirational physical and psychological care.

Founded in 2012, Supporting Wounded Veterans is dedicated to reducing the isolation and despair that so many veterans experience. The charity is a leading force in this field having developed six comprehensive support ‘pathways’ comprising sports rehabilitation, pain management, mentoring, mental health resilience, occupation & employment and a veteran support network through which many of SWV’s former veterans are able to share their experiences and lend a hand to future cohorts. In addition, the charity’s Pioneer Programme is heavily involved in the research & development of a groundbreaking treatment for PTSD.

In March this year, the next cohort of veterans will start out on their SWV Journey with the annual ‘Sports Habilitation Ski Week’. This provides a transformative experience, helping them restore their spirits and self-confidence whilst building a trusting relationship with the charity in advance of their entering their most needed programme of ‘pathways’.

This is no holiday for them; the week will be physically and mentally challenging, and for some represent the biggest challenge they have faced since their initial injury or diagnosis. The veterans will be supported by a highly qualified team of adaptive ski instructors, medical specialists, psychologists, physios, mentors and of course, veterans who have previously benefited from SWV’s magic.

I feel privileged to have been invited to join the SWV team as a volunteer Ski Buddy, supporting the veterans throughout the week both on and off the slopes. Put simply, my role is to help support and encourage a veteran make a start on their personal journey to recovery. I will be at hand for my veteran 24/7. Like many Buddies, I am sure that our relationship will go on long after our ski week together.

The week also provides me with an opportunity to raise funds and indeed awareness of the work of this incredible charity. We owe these service men & women so much and I hope that you might join me in supporting the charity in its endeavour to help this next cohort turn the corner.

I will provide a story of the week and my own experience upon my return.

Thank you so much in advance for helping support a wonderful charity that really makes a meaningful difference to the lives of Veterans. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small.