I served in the British Army for seven years in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers completing tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. 

I always thought completing these tours had not affected me but on leaving the Army i realised that the way i reacted in certain situations was not normal and that they had in fact been masked by being around other soldiers exhibiting the same reactions.

I myself have minor symptoms of PTSD. I am very jumpy and am easily startled by loud noises or people unexpectedly appearing, I sometimes struggle in crowded areas and like to have my back to a wall when possible along with this on rare occasions certain smells can sometimes remind me of times  while on operations. 

I have learned over the years to recognise and deal with this but i am far luckier then most. Their are thousands of ex servicemen and women suffering with depression, nightmares and vivid flashbacks. This is sometimes as result of injuries to themselves or colleagues as well as ,unfortunately , coming to terms with the deaths of friends and civilians.

This can sometimes lead to drug addiction, alcoholism , homelessness and all to often suicide. 

In 2012,  21 serving soldiers as well as 29 veterans sadly took their own lives and i believe this is unacceptable.

I am not only running this marathon to raise money or awareness for the charity but to show i am not ashamed or embarrassed by my own issues with PTSD. I became this way fighting for my country but most importantly for my friends i served along side. 

We as a country should show the respect sufferers of PTSD deserve.

If you have donated thank you if not please do.