https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oShKLfrd-2M
Walking With The Wounded’s Cumbrian Challenge will support more than 250 ex-servicemen and women who are currently homeless, unemployed or struggling with their mental health, get their lives back on track and back to full health.
The event, now in its 6th year, expects to reach this year’s target of £200,000. This will mean that over 6 years, the Cumbrian Challenge will have raised over £1 million to support the ex-service community.
The walking event, due to be held in the Lake District on 19th May 2018, will see participant’s tackling the fells and experiencing a memorable and uplifting weekend together whilst meeting some of the incredible men and women who WWTW have been able to support during their career transition from the military.
Each team that takes part in the Cumbrian Challenge, enables WWTW to support a wounded ex-serviceman or woman back into independence through one of their programmes. Individuals like Mark who suffered in silence from PTSD for 28 years before ‘finding’ Walking With The Wounded. Mark received support from WWTW for his mental health. He commented: “They organised the best help and clinical therapy for me and were with me every step of the way through some very dark times.
“It is very difficult to describe the pain of reliving a trauma and the hard road to recovery, but without this charity I would not be here today and my 2 sons would go through life knowing they couldn’t do anything to help.
“Two years on and I am extremely happy. Facing life with a purpose, a realisation that I am actually worthy and I do have a future.”
By taking part in this year’s Cumbrian Challenge, there will also be the opportunity to meet the team members of the upcoming Walk of America expedition, just weeks before they set off on their 1200-mile journey across the United States.
The Walk of America will be officially launched by WWTW Expeditions Patron, Prince Harry.
Walking With The Wounded Events & Partnerships Manager, Andy Sloan said: “To break the £1m barrier for the cause is a huge achievement and testament to the many people stepping forward to take part. It’s an extraordinary event which is why old friends keep coming back and new teams keep getting involved. Everyone goes away with a very real sense of achievement – both physically and mentally – after meeting and hearing from the men and women they are supporting.”
Amy Franklin, Associate Director & Employment Programme Manager said: “The longevity and success of this event is making a fantastic impact and is literally changing lives. It has been a really beneficial way for the companies taking part to show their support for the cause as every team that takes part helps another ex-serviceman or woman back into work.”
To find out about the Cumbrian Challenge (sponsored by BAE Systems and FDM Group) please visit to wwtw.org.uk/Cumbria
