A former Army captain has been awarded a national prize in recognition of his transition from the Forces to civilian life. John Geden has set up a successful bee-farming business called Sinah Common Honey after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) back in 2014.

Mr Geden was presented with the Business Start Up of the Year prize at the Nationwide Resettlement Awards, which saw him beat off two other finalists. The 36-year-old attended the black tie event at Hotel Football in Manchester and was presented his award by TV presenter Bill Turnbull. 

Pathfinder International, an organisation that helps former service personnel resettle after leaving the Armed Forces, and Nationwide created the awards to celebrate the achievements made by those adapting to civilian life. 

Mr Geden was nominated for his award by Help for Heroes due to his successful business, which sells honey and products like beeswax candles, while also running training courses for those wishing to gain or improve beekeeping skills.

He joined the Army just after leaving school as a non-commissioned soldier in the Royal Military Police. After serving for five years, Mr Geden converted to commission and served four years in Germany before he was posted to Northern Ireland and Cyprus. 

In 2013 he suffered a severe nervous breakdown, later being diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety. Mr Geden said that this left him with low confidence and resulted in several relapses. While he still has graphic nightmares every week, he has succeeded thanks to the support of family and friends.

Help for Heroes gave £3,500 to Mr Geden to help him launch his business and has offered support to him.

Talking to Help for Heroes about why he started his business, Mr Geden said: “During my 10 years in the Army and 22 years in Hampshire Police, I encountered many unpleasant things that have left me with some unpleasant memories and mental scars. I needed to do something that would give me a sense of worth and achievement, but that did not put me under too much pressure by placing huge demands on me.

“I was in a dead zone about living with PTSD and deciding what to do. Working with other people had its limitations for me. I had been keeping bees for many years as a hobby and, after considering a few other options, I decided that this was the best fit for me. It is a fairly solitary existence but I have measures in place to address this and most importantly I am happy Beekeeping rids my brain of negative thoughts.”ADNFCR-2867-ID-801828411-ADNFCR

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