The countdown is on to a 500km fundraising hike Stuart Cowan, Chair of BTP Federation, and Gary Thwaite, CEO of Civil Nuclear Police Federation are tackling in support of PTSD999.
This extreme physical and mental challenge will see the pair walk from CNC Federation's base in Cockermouth, Cumbria, to BTP Federation's office in West Dulwich, London. Stuart and Gary aim to complete their hike in under two weeks, raising money for PTSD999 while reducing the stigma of mental health.
Research reveals rates of PTSD in the UK police service are almost five times higher than in the UK population. 90% of police workers in The Job, The Life study had experienced trauma, and one in five of these reported symptoms of either PTSD or complex-PTSD.
The Blue Light Hike will get underway on Tuesday 25 July. Stuart and Gary will carry their personal kit and equipment, and navigate the route in some tricky conditions. Both officers have begun a rigorous training programme including gym sessions and low level 10km walks during the week with progressive training at the weekends, with distances increasing from 30km to 120km leading up to the challenge.
Gary Thwaite said: "We hear a lot about mental health these days, especially in policing. There's a lot of good work ongoing to reduce the stigma attached to mental health but simply, we still need to do more. It's a sad truth that most of us within policing have lost friends, colleagues or even family members to suicide."
Stuart Cowan added: "So many officers are suffering with their mental health. I have faced my own challenges as a result of my work, but I consider myself lucky because I took the support that was offered and bounced back. If doing this challenge with Gary encourages just one person to reach out, then it will all be worth it."
Gary Hayes, co-founder of PTSD999 said: "Monies raised will enable PTSD999 to continue to provide much needed support and guidance around PTSD, a serious mental health issue that can have a devastating effect on the sufferer and a huge impact on family and friends along with close working colleagues. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to live with PTSD, and I am so grateful for the support given by Gary and Stuart. I encourage everyone to support their fundraising efforts and help to make a difference in the lives of others."
Stuart and Gary are being supported by Challenge The Wild, an outdoor events company that specialise in the planning and delivery of bespoke outdoor challenges. The hike is being sponsored by organisations and individuals including ARC Legal, Axon, Rob Constable, Met Friendly, Motorfinity, PMAS, Colin Reynolds, Serve and Protect and Philip Williams Insurance.
Stuart and Gary's fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bluelightwalk
Blue Light Hike: Federation leaders to walk from The Lakes to London for PTSD999
