The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity for serving and ex-military personnel recently hosted 16 male and female veterans during a five-day respite and challenge activity break which saw former service personnel cover over 100km canoeing on the magnificent River Spey.
The veterans, with a variety of injuries and illnesses including amputations, PTSD and depression, canoed from source to sea covering between 9km to 24km each day during this morale boosting challenge which tested their physical and mental endurance to the limits.
The Not Forgotten was founded to provide entertainment and recreation, including social activities and challenge holidays, for wounded service personnel and injured veterans. The activity and adventure respite event in Scotland is just one of the popular events the charity organises throughout the year.
After their adrenalin-filled days canoeing, the veterans stayed at the peaceful and idyllic Badaguish Forest Lodges among the beautiful forest and mountain scenery of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands.
Royal Navy veteran, Crissie said:
“It’s fantastic. Challenging, testing, but achievable.”
Rosie Thompson, Head of Events, The Not Forgotten tells us:
“This challenge and activity break is one of the most exhilarating events in our calendar and truly encapsulates our motto ‘From Comradeship to Challenge’. We had a fantastic group on this trip who all engaged in timeless banter and inter-service rivalry at its best!
“All those who attend relish the challenge which helps them to set greater personal goals, encourages socialisation and helps our beneficiaries to overcome their fears and doubts about their capabilities. There is almost always an immediate improvement in their outlook and confidence as they realise that they can participate in challenging activities, despite their injury or illness.
“Taking on such physical and mental challenges renews enthusiasm and encourages our beneficiaries in other aspects of their lives, including personal and family relationships.”
