I was first introduced to AFPST in 2022 whilst assisting a disabled veteran complete the South West Coastal Path (SWCP) and having been to many different events, charities and Veterans groups, I found it hard, finding a common ground, so nearly gave up on trying to find something meaningful.

After some deep and dark conversations with this Veteran about my 26 year military career, the tours, a specific date in Dec 2008 in Afghanistan and what entailed afterwards.. Battling the demons, whilst continuing to return to that place for a further 5 years in some hope of closure, of which never came! Those close to me know what I’ve been through, the dark places I have been, and how hard it is to talk!

Eventually I was introduced to Liz and her team in order to see if they could assist, they took me in with open arms, and introduced me to a great community of likeminded people, so this is all about this amazing charity and what they do for people like me and others around the world.

In 2023 I was invited to attend an Invictus Games Foundation Snow Camp in Colorado this absolutely blew my mind and i got to see the incredible work they do for UK's wounded, injured and sick military personnel; both serving and veteran, Not only was this attended by UK, but we had personnel from USA/Canada/Nigeria/Colombia/Australia/Romania & Ukraine where I got to see some truly inspirational people.

I then attended the Snow Camp in 2024 as a volunteer and once again was blown away with the group, the leadership and mentors!

So I signed up to do the EBC trek, firstly, fundraising for the charity which is an opportunity for me to give back to those who have been instrumental in me starting my recovery. Secondly on a personal level for raising awareness towards veteran mental health and wellbeing whilst championing how to overcome not just physical injuries but also the invisible and trauma related injuries sustained through service.

This is an extraordinary endeavour that will be a feat of human power and determination as a fearless group of twenty indomitable AFPST athletes and dedicated staff take on an arduous expedition to conquer the renowned Everest Base Camp in May 24

Any contribution you can spare would be greatly welcomed so that I can make the team of 20 heading to Nepal in May 2024. Thanks for reading and please stay tuned to the usual social media channels for progress, bants and updates!

http://afpst.co.uk/

https://www.forces.net/sport/winter-sports/freedom-injured-personnel-hail-benefits-para-snowsports-training-camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gYvFSy8I3LY&feature=youtu.be