Hi, my name is Suzanne & thank you for visiting my page.

Combat Stress are the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.

For over a century, they’ve helped former servicemen and women deal with trauma-related mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They’re on a mission to raise awareness that invisible injuries can be just as hard to cope with as physical ones. So when a veteran is having a tough time, they’re there to help them tackle the past and take on the future.

On the 15th October 2023, I will be heading to the majestic Himalayas to attempt to summit not just one, but two 6000m peaks - Lobuche East (6119m) & Island Peak (6189m), located in the Everest region. We will also be heading to Everest Base Camp, so I will get my first views of this most incredible mountain which I have wanted to see up close for many years. Although I have a good amount of climbing & mountaineering experience in the UK, Alps, Canada & Africa, including ascents of Mt Kenya (5188m), Kilimanjaro (5895m), Toubkal (4165m), Aneto (3404m), this will be the first time I will have ventured above 6000m, which will bring with it extra challenges of altitude, glaciers, steep slopes, long days, Himalayan weather. Both mountains are physically demanding so I have been training & preparing since the start of this year. You can follow the expedition, including training & preparation updates plus the expedition itself on Instagram @suzanneturneradventure

Why Combat Stress? I am an Army veteran, having served 10 years in the Royal Military Police. I've also had my battles with mental health challenges, being diagnosed with severe clinical depression in 2012 following a breakdown & going through the toughest few years of my life where I wanted it all to end. I'm very grateful I didn't act on those desires but sought help & took steps to recover. My mental health challenges weren't as a result of my military career, they actually stemmed from childhood trauma but I know what it feels like to be both a soldier & experience being in a very dark place, so I fully support the amazing work that Combat Stress do to help our veterans whose mental health challenges are as a direct result of their military service.

Thank you for supporting both my Himalayan challenge & combat Stress. Any amount you can give is gratefully received & will make a difference to our Armed Forces Veterans dealing with mental health illness.