500 mile walk for our warriors

In 2006 my son enlisted into the British Forces as an infantryman and deployed on Op Herrick 8 & 13 ,within days of returning home in April 2011 I knew immediately something wasn’t right with him .  Those gorgeous sparkling blue eyes had gone to be replaced by a distant emtionaless stare, his temper was frightening and his carefree love of life gone. I quickly reached out for help from his regiment but that help never materialised and my son started on a very downward spiral that took control of all our lives. Medically discharged from the army 2014 things started to descend into chaos as he didn’t know how to be a civilian and in 2015 he started his campaign of trying to end his life. During 2015 he got his diagnosis my son had PTSD,anxiety and depression. He’s had numerous attempts at checking out of this world and been in mental health hospitals for mths on end his latest admission was 17 wks long after a massive overdose that ended up almost taking his life. 

My son is one of so many that are desperately struggling this debilitating mental health illness,this ‘hidden wound’, there is no cure,meds are not taking away the pain and suffering,triggers and flashbacks. The only thing that can possibly help make a difference is talking and opening up with other veterans who are suffering also . This is were the Veterans Respite Centre will help offering our veterans like my son time to learn how to cope with his illness and time to talk and recharge himself in a safe and secure place, a home from home were he won’t be judged but instead lifted from his depths of utter despair. 

I’m starting my walk through Spain 15th September 2018 I would love to see my goal raised to help those who have helped so many around the world in ways us civilians could never repay. Please if you can donate no matter how small it will make a difference. Thank you x