PTSD Resolution helps Veterans, TA and Reservists who are struggling to reintegrate into normal life due to military trauma suffered during service in the armed forces. Trauma causes flashbacks, nightmares, anger and depression - often leading to such things as violence, alcohol and substance abuse, job loss, family breakdown and even suicide. PTSD are a charity which have non salaried staff and use all the funds raised to promote, support and pay for the counselling of suffering ex forces men and women.

Although I myself am not an ex military serviceman, in years gone by members of my family and also close friends of mine have fought for Queen and country to ensure our safety.

However the real reason and inspiration for me to embark on this challenge was due to a tragic event which happened last year. The Mother and family of the company I work for tragically lost their son Owen in October last year at the age of 26, the same age as me, when he took his own life. Owen was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following two tours of Afghanistan between 2008 and 2012 as a serving Royal Marines Commando with 45 CDO. Owen's first tour was as part of Operation Herrick 9 which was a particularly brutal mission and at only 18 years of age he was commended for his commando spirit, skills and incredible bravery.

I unfortunately didn't have the privilege of meeting or getting to know Owen, but from what people say he was an extremely popular, funny and friendly person with a real zest for life. But what I have seen and felt is the pain and suffering that his tragic passing has caused his Mam Carole and family at work. Also with Owen being the same age as me it really hit me and I wanted to try ensure other families and serviceman like Owen do not suffer moving forward. PTSD Resolution have proved they can make a difference and by raising further awareness of their fantastic work I hope I can help contribute too. 

With the permission of Owen's Mam Carole and his family, I am going to be training hard over the coming months so that I make them proud and run a good time in his memory. 

Any help and support you can add to these efforts would be much appreciated by me but more so by Owen's Mam Carole and his family. All donations can be made via this page and will go directly to PTSD to help other service men and women suffering in future. 

If you would like to read more about Owen's story and see the amazing donations raised so far in his memory and towards the PTSD Resolution charity please visit his page - www.justgiving.com/inmemoryofwaz 

Thank you for reading my story.

Chris.