On the 7th August I'll be taking part in the Indian Queens Half Marathon to raise money for Veterans Coastal Retreats.

Veterans Coastal Retreats is the brain-child of fellow Cornishman Richard Perkins, aka The Running Guardsman, and was set up in 2020 as a non-profit organisation, run by volunteers, with the sole aim of purchasing a holiday home to enable ex-service personnel and their families to enjoy a free staycation on the coast in North Cornwall.

The Mental Health Foundation estimates there are 5 million veterans in the UK with 20,000 personnel leaving each year. It is common for veterans to develop mental health problems after leaving service, many of whom will experience PTSD. The mental health of ex-service personnel may be made worse by the stress of transitioning to civilian life which can then lead to difficulties in relationships, a higher risk of suicide, alcohol misuse and homelessness.

The type of property required doesn’t come on the market very often and doesn’t come cheap, so Richard and his team have a huge fundraising target. All donations, however large or small are gratefully received.

More information about Veterans Coastal Retreats can be found here; https://www.veteranscoastalretreats.com/