Latest news - PTSD Resolution
New Charity Report: Many UK Armed Forces Veterans Are Relying on Alcohol or Drugs to Relieve Military Trauma
A survey by charity PTSD Resolution has found that 46 per cent of the 500 UK armed forces’ veterans who responded used alcohol or drugs to manage the symptoms of trauma. Where veterans did seek help from their GP, 80 per cent of these were prescribed medication.
Charity chairman Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), a qualified therapist and former Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion the Cheshire Regiment, says:
“The report’s findings are very concerning. Half the veterans surveyed rely on drink and drugs just to cope. Whilst 78 per cent of those who sought medical help did get a diagnosis of PTSD, veterans are still being prescribed medication by their GP - which just suppresses symptoms and can cause problems in the long term.”
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Mental Health Initiative launched by Institute of Directors
The Institute of Directors Sussex is organising an online webinar ‘Mental Health, Emotional Resilience and dealing with uncertainty and adversity’ on 12 Mar 2021 from 12:15 to 13:30. It is free to join online. It includes a presentation by Ros Townsend, author of “PTSD Understanding and Recovery” and a therapist at PTSD Resolution, the Armed Forces’ Veterans’ mental health charity.
Mental Health of Security Personnel
The mental health of security staff is an acute industry problem, particularly amongst frontline security officers - and especially during the pandemic, with the additional pressures and stress that this has brought for personnel.
“With almost 40 per cent of those surveyed exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, it leaves a very clear message that the issue of mental health is not currently being taken seriously by security managers.”
New video:-
Our online therapy continues thanks to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Throughout the pandemic we have continued to provide our free, prompt & effective therapy - thanks to the Covid Impact Fund, courtesy of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. We are still here for UK Veterans, Reservists & families suffering the effects of trauma - our free treatment continues to be available ONLINE or by PHONE.
Click image to watch video
Jonathan Thomson rides the NC500 raising awareness for PTSD Resolution
During October 2020 a single rider set off on a 7-day attempt to ride the famous North Coast 500 through the highlands of Scotland. An incredibly tough ride even for young somethings. This unique and circular route starts and ends in Inverness.
Totals: 7 days, 862.1 K, (535 miles) 11,005 m climb, 48.61 hours in the saddle. Not bad for a 75-year-old.
New Survey: Incidence of Veterans' Trauma and PTSD
PTSD Resolution periodically carries out research to further understand the occurrence of trauma-related mental health problems experienced by UK Armed Forces' Veterans, Reservists and their families.
The principal objective of the charity is to provide relief for these problems through their UK-wide network of 200 Human Givens-trained therapists and to carry out further research into the incidence of PTSD and the resolution of symptoms experienced by veterans of the British Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as family members who may be affected by living with a traumatised person.
Delivering Therapy to Veterans in Prisons
PTSD Resolution supports armed forces’ veterans with mental health issues at work, in the community and in prison, to support their rehabilitation and life prospects.
PTSD Resolution has treated 104 ex-service men and women in 21 UK prisons - with good results. As an independent mental health charity with 200 therapists across the UK, PTSD Resolution has stepped up to confront a problem others ignore: PTSD is on the rise amongst ex-military personnel and, unsurprisingly, in prisons.
PTSD Understanding Recovery: The Book £12.99
PTSD: Understanding and Recovery’ by Rosalind Townsend explains to those without any previous knowledge of trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) what sufferers are going through and why. It provides a framework, which includes exercises and activities, to help traumatised people take back control of their minds and bodies and start along the road to recovery.
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Big Give 2020: PTSD Resolution Launches Christmas Appeal
The Big Give is now closed and we have reached our
target for matched funding.
But yes, you can still donate – and please do,
because Veterans need your help.
Please Donate Here!
Mental Welfare of Armed Forces' Veterans: New Impact Report
Many Veterans and Reservists continue to suffer mental health anguish resulting from their time in service to the UK - or in the case of some families, from supporting a loved one with these problems.
Charity PTSD Resolution helps them through a network of 200 therapists across the UK who provide therapy that is free, local, prompt, brief and effective, specifically to address the issue of persistent trauma. However many Veterans suffering from the symptoms are still unaware that they can get help to get better; that there is a service available to help relieve the problems of post-traumatic stress.
Remembrance Day Virtual Reception:
PTSD Resolution & Armed Forces Covenant, Nov 10th, 6pm
A major initiative to promote the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families working in commerce and the public sector is highlighted in a virtual reception on November 10th at 6pm.
Attending the online event will be senior business and public sector decision-makers: signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, and those with a CSR, Corporate and Social Responsibility, role or an interest in workplace mental health and that of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families in particular.
75 year old Jonathan Thomson has completed the North Coast 500 to raise £10,000 for PTSD Resolution, a UK charity helping Veterans, Reservists and their families overcome trauma
A former Royal Marine, Jonathan describes PTSD as “a dreadful affliction that can affect those who have witnessed or been involved in traumatic events. Too many of our Veterans or those still serving suffer from it.”
New Funding for Veterans Welfare by Armed Forces Covenant Fund
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has awarded PTSD Resolution a grant of £35,000 under the Covid-19 Impact Programme. This will help the armed forces' mental health charity to maintain support for veterans while they face additional stress from the economic and social impact of the pandemic, at a time when donations to all charities have declined.
New Memorial Wall for Forces' Dead with No Marked Grave
VJ Day 75, August 15th 2020
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory over Japan, VJ Day, armed forces’ charity PTSD Resolution has launched an online ‘memorial wall’ for relatives to remember veterans of the UK services in all wars who died without a known grave.
The Veterans Foundation is supporting PTSD Resolution with a grant of £19,500 to fund the charity's work in resolving the mental trauma of armed forces' veterans, reservists and their families.
With nearly 3,000 referrals to date, the therapy service is free of charge, through a network of 200 therapists nationwide and also delivered online and by phone.
PTSD Resolution: Delivering Brief and Effective Therapy to Veterans in Prisons
To date, PTSD Resolution has treated 104 ex-service men and women in 21 UK prisons - with good results. As an independent mental health charity with 200 therapists across the UK, PTSD Resolution has stepped up to confront a problem others ignore: PTSD is on the rise amongst ex-military personnel and, unsurprisingly, in prisons.
In fact, a 2018 study on mental health worldwide found that up to 27% of male prisoners - and 37% of female - suffer Post Traumatic Stress symptoms. The same study revealed 90% of detainees with PTSD have received no psychological treatment - making PTSD the least treated mental disorder in prisons
Armed Forces Day June 27: Help for Traumatised Veterans Locked Up During Lockdown
On Armed Forces Day, June 27, a mental health charity is highlighting the plight of armed forces' veterans in the UK criminal justice system, many of whom are suffering from military trauma and are not getting the therapeutic support that they need to get well and be rehabilitated, says PTSD Resolution.
VE DAY 2020: Still time to make a difference!
By the end of May, Matt Minshall, a former soldier and climber, will climb his stairs to the total height of Mont Blanc - that's 4810 metres! - all in support of PTSD Resolution.
Help Matt make the £1000 target! DONATE HERE:
Covid-19 means it's harder for us to find the funding we need to help Veterans, Reservists and their families. Many are really struggling with mental health issues under lockdown.
VE Day Veteran Paul Whitmore helped by Trauma Charity 75 years later
Paul Whitmore, a 94 year old army veteran of WW2 living in Torquay, has received help for mental health issues that date back to over 75 years ago. PTSD Resolution recently provided therapy to Paul; the charity helps veterans, reservists and their families with free treatment through 200 therapists nationwide and also now delivers programmes online during COVID-19 lockdown.
Secondary Trauma: The long-term impact of a Veteran's trauma
on a partner's health - and a message of hope
It was a week before Christmas 1993 when Sam met Scott at a nightclub in Bury. Two weeks later she moved in with him. This lightning romance was the start of a twenty-two year journey that would include joy - they welcomed a baby daughter soon after - but also tragedy.
Join Us in the 2.6 Challenge!
Calling all home superheroes to help save charities like PTSD Resolution hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.
It's a tough time for us all. For charities like ours, it's harder to find the funding we need to help Veteran, Reservists and Families – many are really struggling with mental health issues under lockdown.
FC: Falklands, Gulf and Northern Ireland Veteran
"My traumatic event took place in the Falklands, in particular the events of the 21st May 1982. I started having nightmares and flashbacks in the mid 1990s. At first these were infrequent. Recently I was under a tremendous amount of pressure, both at work and with domestic issues, and the nightmares/flashbacks increased - culminating in the worst attack I have ever had."
Former Royal Marine Takes on Scottish 500 Mile Cycling Challenge
We caught up with one of our newest fundraisers over the phone this week and heard about his own military background, his reasons for supporting us and why he wants more people to come forward and get the help they need.
"Having heard about the life changing work PTSD Resolution is doing, I've decided to raise enough money to pay for the treatment for 20 veterans by pedalling 500 miles on what's known as the North Coast 500."
New: Veterans' PTSD Therapy Programme via Phone and Internet Launched.
Forces' Charity Remote Therapy Service to Counter Crisis of Self-Isolation.
Forces' veterans, reservists and their families can now receive therapy for military PTSD through a phone or internet call, following a successful pilot programme by PTSD Resolution. To date the veterans' charity has had 2,900 referrals over 11 years, delivering treatment face-to-face through a network of 200 accredited therapists.
Coping With Self-Isolation
PTSD Resolution's guide to getting needs met whilst trapped in self-isolation
Getting dressed and out of bed is good for morale
Sounds pretty obvious, but resist the urge to take duvet days or have a lie in or stay up later than normal. Setting the alarm for your usual time and sticking with your morning routine is a positive thing you can do to control how you start your day. Shower, shave, eating a healthy and breakfast and making your bed are all good drills.
Gemma Ferguson: An Extraordinary Transformation
When Gemma Ferguson flies to the USA this March to compete in the 2020 “Arnold’s” Sports Festival she’ll have come a long way from her lowest point in 2015.
After serving in the Army for nine years - including posts in Iraq and Afghanistan - Gemma had trouble adjusting to civilian life. Her problems began to spiral and when she lost her job and her flat she moved home with her mum, Jacqui. It was Jacqui who persuaded Gemma to make the call to PTSD Resolution - the first step on her journey to become Britain’s Strongest (U82kg) Woman!
FDM Awarded Armed Forces Covenant ERS Gold Award
with PTSD Resolution Mental Health Programme
Employers are meeting their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant by working with PTSD Resolution - the charity for forces veterans’ mental health - and going on to win recognition with awards through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Ian Young - An update
Last time we caught up with Ian Young he was preparing to represent GB at the 2017 Invictus games in Canada. A huge achievement, he went on to be an Ambassador for the 2018 games and is currently an athletics coach for Invictus 2020.
It’s been a long recovery journey from his initial diagnosis to today - and Ian is keen to break down the stigma surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and emphasise the importance of asking for help.
As bonfire night draws closer we offer a gentle reminder - fireworks aren’t fun for everyone.
For Veterans suffering from PTSD, fireworks aren’t a harmless way to celebrate but can trigger a traumatic reaction. On 11th November we will pause and pay tribute to our Service men and women, so, why not - just days before - spare a thought for Veterans like Jason Haynes.
Jason’s trauma and PTSD diagnosis means the 5th November isn’t carefree as it once was. As with many Veterans, the widespread and largely unregulated use of fireworks on and around bonfire night can be intensely triggering:
Tanya's Everest Challenge for PTSD Resolution
When Tanya Hodges was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro it was the letters from home that kept her going.
In the darkness and freezing winds of the final climb, the testimonies of Veterans treated by PTSD Resolution helped her put one foot in front of the other. That was in September 2018 and after pushing her body to the limit and successfully summiting Kilimanjaro at 5,895m - and raising £3,000 for PTSD Resolution in the process – Tanya decided on her next challenge: to hike to Everest Base Camp in March 2020.
World Mental Health Day 2019:
10 October 2019:
Focus on Suicide Prevention
Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. Join us, on 10 October, in “40 seconds of action” to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it.
PTSD Resolution makes a major contribution to the welfare of Forces Veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention. Anyone who wants help – promptly, free of charge and available locally - or to make a donation in support of this great work can visit here.
‘City Security’ magazine Autumn 2019:
You have invested in mitigating risk and ensuring the resilience of your systems and property - but what about your security personnel?
Have you considered how they may be affected if they have to deal with a traumatic event, and the aftermath?
Fighting Fit
Síle Uí Chiaráin MHGI, HGDip, scribing for and collaborating with a Kosovo and Iraq, veteran who suffered a series of severe shocks and traumas throughout his life, most recently in the army which resulted in chronic PTSD. Since being picked up by PTSD Resolution and exposed to the bio-psycho-social model of psychotherapy that is Human Givens, said ex vet is living a safer, happier, healthier life and is optimistic for his future.
Shell Shock Walk for Forces' Veterans Mental Health - 14th September 2019
PTSD Resolution, the charity supporting the mental health of forces’ veterans, reservists and their families, is organising the third annual ‘Shell Shock Walk’ in London on Saturday 14th September, 2019. The walk from Wandsworth Bridge to Tower Bridge is over eight miles and starts at 13:30 - details are at www.ptsdresolution.org/shellshockwalk.php.
Visit PTSD Resolution at IFSEC 2019, Stand No: IF1016
ISEC International 2019 has appointed PTSD Resolution as an official charity for the security exhibition at the Excel Centre, June 18 – 20/
IFSEC International is the biggest security exhibition in Europe. It takes place over three days at London Excel.
IFSEC International welcomes over 27,000 global security professionals to experience the latest technological innovations and hear from industry leaders - all under one roof, over three days.
'Shadow' Population of Forces' Veterans who suffer PTSD without Help
Many UK armed forces' veterans are suffering from the effects of military trauma, but are going without any official diagnosis or help according to a new survey of 3,000 former armed forces' personnel conducted by charity PTSD Resolution.
Unknown and untreated, this 'shadow' population receives no appropriate medical or counselling support, says PTSD Resolution; they may number as many veterans as are diagnosed with PTSD through the NHS and healthcare organisations for former servicemen and women.
PTSD Resolution 10th Anniversary Conference, 18th May 2019
A highly successful PTSD Resolution conference marked the 10th anniversary of the charity and was attended by HG (Human Givens) therapists, as well as forces’ veterans and family members who have received treatment successfully for mental health issues.
The conference is for the 200 Human Givens therapists, as part of their continuous professional development, and is also open to other healthcare and military professionals with an interest in military mental health.
CSR and The Armed Forces Covenant: Organisations' Responsibilities
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment by public and private sector organisations to support those who have served in the UK armed forces. It should be a key part of every director's CSR (Corporate & Social Responsibility) programme.
PTSD Resolution is a leading charity supporting the mental welfare of Forces' Veterans, Reservists and their families in fulfillment of the Covenant.
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PTSD Conference, London 18th May 2019
Armed Forces’ Veterans Charity celebrates 10 years of outstanding service.
PTSD Resolution - the second largest UK military mental health charity, and member of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities - is marking its 10th anniversary at its biennial Conference in London on 18th May.
"Walk Round The World" for Resolution
Charity Event - We aim to cover the distance round the World - 40076 kilometres - by logging our daily walking, jogging, cycling or wheelchair travel.
As at 1st April 2019 we have walked over 17000 kms - more than 30% of the distance around the world - and raised over £6000 - let's make it to £10000
We are doing this for Resolution - Why not join in?
PTSD Resolution has released a new PowerPoint presentation available for download.
This new content (available with and without additional video) is a concise, multimedia guide to who we are, what we do and what you can do to help. It can be used as a presentation aid - or more generally to clarify our mission, our history and our process.
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Run the Brighton Marathon and support Veterans' mental health charity, PTSD Resolution
We have tickets for the Brighton Marathon taking place on the 14th April 2019, to reserve your ticket please contact us at komeara@ptsdresolution.org
PTSD Resolution provides free, effective local and prompt treatment to Veterans, Reservists and their families who have experienced trauma. It delivers treatment through a nationwide network of over 200 qualified therapists. It receives no government funding and needs your help to continue delivering support for those who need it.Read More
New Book - 'PTSD: Understanding and Recovery', by Rosalind Townsend
PTSD: Understanding and Recovery' by Rosalind Townsend explains to those without any previous knowledge of trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) what sufferers are going through and why. It provides a framework, which includes exercises and activities, to help traumatised people take back control of their minds and bodies and start along the road to recovery.
Read More
The Big Give 2018: Your Donation DOUBLED
Donations will be doubled when any anyone donates online via the Big Give to support Forces' Veterans mental health services provided by charity PTSD Resolution, from 12pm (midday) on 27th November. The event closes seven days later, at 12pm midday 4th December.
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TANYA TAKES ON KILIMANJARO TO RAISE £3,000 for PTSD Resolution
When Tanya Hodges was a young woman her father Raymond sadly passed away. He had served all over the world for over 20 years in the Royal Navy, and the stories he told her about his travels made a huge impression on her.
Tanya now works on a daily basis with ex-members of the armed forces, as part of her role as Security Trainer at Gatwick Airport, a job she enjoys immensely.
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ASIS - Special Remembrance Fundraising Event
ASIS UK are hosting a charity fundraising remembrance event immediately after our winter seminar and AGM from 6pm on 13th November to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I.
Join us and our Charity Partner PTSD Resolution for drinks, canapés entertainment and a raffle at the Francis Crick Institute where we will be joined by a host of serving and former military veterans to mark this momentous occasion.
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A Mile in my Boots
On the 3rd October a team from the 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, took off from Catterick, North Yorkshire and over 7 days made their way down through the UK to Warminster, Wiltshire, finishing at their camp Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster on World Mental Health Day.
Each day they will TAB (tactical advance to battle) between 30-40 miles carrying 15kg (33lbs). By the end of the week they will have travelled 435km (267 miles).
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The Shell Shock Walk Sep 15th 2018
With our steadfast band of loyal supporters the walkers we set off from the Waterfront Pub in Wandsworth to raise funds for PTSD Resolution. We also met to remember the fallen and injured of the Great War - particularly those who suffered from Shell Shock, later known as military PTSD; some of whom unfortunately were either imprisoned or executed for alleged cowardice or desertion.
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PTSD Resolution Appoints Security Industry Ambassadors
Graham Bassett and Mike Hurst, security industy recruitment specialists, have been appointed as Ambassadors to represent the charity PTSD Resolution. Both are Vice Chairmen of ASIS in the UK – a leading organisation for security professionals that has 35,000 members worldwide
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Recently, we shared with you the inspiring story of Sam Doyle who has raised over £7000 in aid of PTSD Resolution. To date, Sam has walked 3000 miles of Britain's coastline but has just hung up his walking boots as he prepares for a new chapter in his life: becoming a father. Here, Sam shares with us some of the highs and lows of his journey and his message to those suffering from PTSD: Read More
Recently, we talked with Sam Booth, a veteran who was treated by PTSD Resolution earlier this year. Sam, who now works as a facilities manager, got in touch to share his incredible story of transformation with us and his motivation to fundraise in aid of PTSD Resolution:
I spent eight years working as a submariner in the Royal Navy. I loved my job - I was away for four or five months of the year and visited plenty of foreign ports. But after seven years' service, I decided to leave. My wife was expecting our second child and having missed so much of my first born's life, I wanted to be there.
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Have a thought for veterans on Armed Forces Day
Veterans' mental health charity, PTSD Resolution, is calling for your support on Armed Forces Day on 30 June.
PTSD Resolution provides free, effective local and prompt treatment to Veterans, Reservists and their families who have experienced trauma. It delivers treatment through a nationwide network of over 200 qualified therapists. It receives no government funding and needs your help to continue delivering support for those who need it.
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ASIS UK has announced it is to partner with the charity PTSD Resolution to access the national network of therapists for the treatment of trauma for our members.
ASIS International is the largest organisation for security professionals, with more than 38,000 members worldwide including 750 in the UK.
Evidence: "A Service Evaluation of PTSD Resolution Client Outcome Data", Burdett & Greenberg 2016”.
27/09/2016: The King’s Centre for Military Mental Health Research has completed a service evaluation of PTSD Resolution client outcome data
Professor Neil Greenberg and Dr Howard Burdett compared treatment outcomes in 504 PTSD Resolution clients with data from the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme.
First ‘Shell Shock Walk’ Raises New Funds for Veterans’ Welfare
Supporters of PTSD Resolution raised new funding of over £1500 on the first ‘Shell Shock Walk’ on Saturday 17th September. If you were unable to join the walk you can still donate here:-
Donate to the Shell Shock Walk HERE
22 PressUps: Get Fit, Have Fun, Help our Veterans
WHEN 43-year-old Craig Robinson's pals nominated him on Facebook to complete the 22 Press Ups challenge for charity PTSD Resolution, he decided to call in back up. He rounded up some rugby friends and organised a pub crawl with a difference, carrying out the challenge in 22 pubs from Bingley's Wetherspoons to the City Vaults and The City Gent.
PTSD Resolution Therapists now Accredited by UK's PSA
Today brings an exciting announcement for all of us at PTSD Resolution involved in and committed to the Human Givens approach to resolving military trauma: the register of the Human Givens Institute (HGI) has been accredited under the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care in the UK, under its Accredited Registers Programme. www.ptsdresolution.org
Take steps for PTSD Resolution and challenge yourself, your friends, colleagues, families and children to take part in PTSD Resolution's Walk Round the World (WRTW) and raise funds for former Service men and women and their families who are struggling from the trauma of conflict and help them get back to a normal life.
PTSD Resolution Appeal
PTSD Resolution has launched a new appeal for funding so that it can continue to provide support for UK Forces’ Veterans and their families.
"This is a most compelling book which tells the story of those who have suffered so much in the conduct of operation to protect our security. Mental health pressures need to move centre stage in our priorities – now!" General the Lord Richard Dannatt
Paris Aftermath: UK Industry must be ready to help Traumatised Staff
With 129 people so tragically killed on November 13th in Paris, there are many hundreds or more who witnessed the events, who will be deeply traumatised and returning to work at some stage.
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Castle Combe Motor Event raises £3,000
A fund-raising track day at Castle Combe motor circuit near Chippenham on Wednesday 21st October 2015 raised £3,000 for PTSD Resolution
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PTSD is a dark, devouring ravenous beast of shadow
PTSD Resolution receives many testimonials from veterans who have received therapy from our national network, such as this one:-
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Join the PTSD Resolution community
Can you run, skip or juggle? We are looking for friends and supports to help us raise funds, perhaps meet a personal challenge or fulfil a dream..
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Brighton Marathon
Bonamy Waddell (nee Gauvain, and a daughter of PTSD Resolution Chairman) ran the 2015 Brighton Marathon last April for PTSD Resolution.
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Glenn Owen from Beccles on overcoming PTSD
"When you're a squaddie, whatever happens, you have a few beers and you push it all to the back of your mind. It's the squaddie way," Glenn Owen says. "But later it comes back.
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