Michelle Hopkins, a resident of Oxfordshire, is hoping to raise £1500 for the incredible charity HorseBack UK. With an upcoming course in May 2024, Michelle is determined to secure the funds needed to not only support this life-changing organisation but also cover the costs of her participation. As a former Royal Air Force Veteran stationed at RAF Brize Norton, Michelle has bravely faced the challenges of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following operational tours, including Iraq. Through her upcoming experience with HorseBack UK, Michelle is seeking to rebuild her confidence and reconnect with her true self, ultimately paving the way for a return to meaningful employment. Let's rally behind Michelle as she embarks on this transformative journey towards healing.

HorseBack UK inspires positive change, encourages confidence and self-esteem, and promotes recovery in individuals. Through the use of horsemanship and outdoor activities, they deliver personal development and wellbeing programmes that provide participants with new coping strategies, life skills, and the tools to build resilience.

Their aim is to work with wounded servicemen and women by introducing them to horses. By working with horses in a like-minded group setting, service personnel who have been mentally and physically scarred can regain their confidence, dignity, and in the case of amputees, mobility.

The charity's main focus is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), which incorporates mental health and wellbeing along with personal development. EAL can help with a variety of issues including trauma, depression, PTSD and confidence. HorseBack UK has supported over 1500 military clients, with 94% reporting life improvements and 17% moving into employment.