Middlewich military vet helps raise funds for Combat Stress

A military veteran has managed to help raise over £1,500 by completing a sponsored cross fit challenge, reports the Middlewich Guardian. Zoe Smith raised the money for an Armed Forces mental health charity by managing to do a difficult three-hour session.

The mum of three, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder related to her time in the Armed Forces, saw a post on Facebook about an event raising money for the charity Combat Stress. She decided to join the challenge and sign up sponsors.

The event was held at RA Fitness in Winnington in September and really put the participants through their paces. Within three hours, Zoe had to complete 22 different exercisers in a bid to help raise awareness of the fact that 22 UK veterans commit suicide every day. 

Two other veterans set up the challenge after losing colleagues to suicide so they could help make people aware of the mental strain experienced by veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Zoe was one of eight veterans to take part in the challenge.

Zoe told the news provider: “I suffer with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and have spent some time at a Combat Stress centre.

“The work they do there is fantastic but with better funding, they could do so much more. There are long waiting lists for treatment and unfortunately, sometimes it can come too late.

“I wanted to get involved because I know first-hand how difficult life can be with a mental health problem."

She continued to say that physical training is one of the things she uses to help manage her PTSD, so she thought this challenge was the perfect way for her to get involved and raise money for a charity she believes in. 

Although the challenge has been completed, the team's Just Giving page is still active, allowing those who wish to help the cause to donate. You can do so at justgiving.com/Steven-Holland2 or by visiting combatstress.org.uk/donate.

“My diagnosis took a long time as I was first misdiagnosed with postnatal depression. I am now getting the help I need but I would urge other women as well as men to reach out for that help too," Zoe continued.

“There is help out there and no-one should be ashamed to ask for it.”