"They fight our wars.  We fight their battles."

On Sunday 7th October I ran the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in aid of Combat Stress.  I finished in just under 2 hours and 10 minutes, having run at a very stately 10 min/mile pace.  Amazingly, I also loved every second of it!

Combat Stress is the only charity specialising in the care of British veterans who have been profoundly traumatised by harrowing experiences during their Service career.

Since 1919, Combat Stress has supported almost 100,000 veterans of every campaign involving British Forces.  Since 2005 they have received a 72% increase in veterans seeking their help.  The current caseload is over 4,500; the youngest is just 20 years old, the oldest is 103.  81% of veterans suffering from mental ill health say that they feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition.

The 'Enemy Within' Appeal, which seeks to raise £30 million, is helping to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental ill health and will assist Combat Stress in working with these veterans to help rebuild their lives in two ways. 

Firstly by establishing a network of teams to deliver specialised treatment and support to servicemen and their families and secondly by enhancing clinical and therapeutic treatment in three short-stay centres, which provide a vital lifeline when psychological injury makes everyday life impossible.

Running isn't my 'thing', in much the same way that stress, confusion, anger and depression isn't most soldiers' 'thing' but we all know people who are, have been or will go on Operations.  It is for this reason that I am asking you to peek inside your change jars, turn out your pockets and to make a small donation to assist with the Appeal.

If you can't make a donation, you can help Combat Stress in other ways:

1)  Call a veteran you know to say hello.  They may be lonely and just want to hear from a friend.

2)  Tell your GP about the Appeal and ask them to visit the Combat Stress website where there is a special area for medical professionals so they can better help their veteran patients.

3)  If you know someone who needs their help, please call the Combat Stress 24-hour helpline for the military community and their families on: 0800 138 1619