In a relentless pursuit to raise funds for UK Veterans, PTSD Resolution Ambassador Tanya Hodges has once again showcased her dedication and indomitable spirit. On Saturday 2nd September, Tanya - who has already conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and hiked to Everest Base Camp for the charity - took on the challenging South Coast Ultra Hike.

PTSD Resolution is a registered charity, dedicated to assisting UK Veterans, Reservists and family members struggling to reintegrate into everyday life. Founded in 2009, the charity provides free, prompt and effective therapy through a UK-wide network of 200 therapists - with treatment available online or by phone. 

With over 4,000 referrals to date, supporters like Tanya help to both fund treatment programmes - and to spread awareness of the service to UK Veterans in need. Motivated by her previous triumphs, and with her heart set on making a difference, Tanya was ready to take on her most daunting challenge yet this year.

By signing up to the South Coast Ultra Hike, she was committing to a 100km (62 mile) hike from Eastbourne to Arundel - continuous and overnight.

Ultra Hike

"After summiting Kilimanjaro and hiking to Everest Base Camp, I am now preparing for a new challenge,” Tanya said on signing up. She described the Ultra Hike as “walking two full marathons and an additional 10 miles, and ascending over 2000m in unpredictable weather conditions - and throughout the night.”

"I am subjecting myself to this
arduous challenge to raise funds for PTSD Resolution,” she said, “who provide therapy for PTSD to Veterans and their families. I humbly request that you give what you can to support our Veterans.”

It was while training to be a security officer at Gatwick airport, that Tanya first witnessed the lack of understanding around mental trauma. The curriculum focused on recognising the physical effects of firearms and explosives, but omitted 'hidden' injuries. 

Determined to change this, she conducted extensive research on PTSD and its impact on ex-military personnel. Her lobbying efforts prompted the Department of Transport to update their training, including PTSD as a subject in their syllabus. Tanya now personally delivers this training as an aviation security trainer.

Tanya’s dedication extended beyond the work front, however, and she was soon wholeheartedly committed to fundraising in her personal time. Over the past few years Tanya has combined her passion for Veterans’ welfare with her love for travel and the great outdoors - raising a cool £9,000K for PTSD Resolution to date.

Eastbourne Start

After months of rigorous training, Tanya finally embarked on her 100km South Coast Ultra Hike early on Saturday 2nd September. PTSD Resolution CEO Charle Highett was at the starting line in Eastbourne - wishing her well on her epic solo journey.

Throughout the day and night Tanya walked relentlessly, driven on by her desire to support UK Veterans - “No rest. No sleep. No messing about,” she declared. “PTSD in our Veterans is still incredibly debilitating and they need our help.”

After an astonishing overnight effort, Tanya arrived in Arundel early on Sunday 3rd September - completing the challenge in just 26 hours and 6 minutes.

Exhausted but exhilarated, she shared her sentiments: ”Walking 100km (in fact, it turned out to be 108km) and climbing 2100m is incredibly tough. I laughed, cried, ate and drank my way through the route… I had an inkling that it would be difficult, but my gosh, the heat, the hills, the disorientation throughout the night, the nausea and the pain.”

“My body and feet feel shattered,” she admitted, “but my sense of achievement soars."

“During the tough moments, I reminded myself why I embraced this challenge - to help our Veterans and support PTSD Resolution. There is still time to donate! If you could witness the state of my feet, I challenge you not to donate!"

It’s not too late to contribute to Tanya's total fundraising amount! 

Join Tanya in making a difference by donating today:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tanya-Hodges4?