Bude Surf Veterans

Thank you for looking at my page. I am a veteran, cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats on 1st June 2025 - this is a supported but fully self funded event.

https://sportivebreaks.com/tours-weekenders/lands-end-to-john-ogroats-with-sean-conway/

I served in the RAF Regiment for 12 years before leaving to rejoin civilian life when I trained as a Nurse. Once I qualified, still missing military life, I joined the Queens Alexander Royal Army Nursing Corps as a reservist.

In October 2009, we deployed to Camp Bastion Afghanistan, Role 3 field hospital on Op Herrick 11A. This was the most rewarding yet harrowing period of my nursing career to date, however I know we at the field hospital made a difference.

Over 400 personnel never grew old, many others live on with physical and / or mental scars facing demons daily

Bude Surf Veterans (BSV) were set up as a club by veterans and civilians in an attempt to help ex military personnel re integrate on leaving the service. Their philosophy being: Surf, Grow, Heal. https://budesurfveterans.com

They are not a charity buy a club run by volunteers who want to help. They have worked with BLESMA and several veterans have themselves become surf instructors and now give back to the club by volunteering to support and encourage other veterans to ‘surf grow & heal’.

Each of us have different strategies for coping with events we have been exposed to, some find it easy to reach out but unfortunately many do not. I get it but please reach out.

I find being outdoors and cycling helps me cope. It gives me a sense of purpose and I enjoy a personal challenge, hence the little ride . Being around other veterans also helps, they get it and just want to be there which I found when I approached BSV offering to try and raise some funds for them.

I have set a target but anything raised will be gratefully received and go to help this club to keep running and supporting veterans.