Bushcraft walkers

11.5 Miles Together: A Team Effort for Veterans’ Mental Health

Some things are better done as a team. This was one of them.

Terry Fountain, Aaron Umney, Graeme Wharfe Gabriel Wharfe (aged 11) and Darren Baxter came together with one goal — to complete a 10-mile hike in support of veterans’ mental health. In the end, we went further than planned and completed 11.5 miles.

It wasn’t about distance. It was about purpose — and doing something meaningful together.

Setting Out with Purpose

We started our journey high on the open hills, greeted by cold air and strong winds. From the beginning, there was a shared understanding — this was going to be a challenge, but one worth taking on.

The group was a mix of family and friends, different ages and experiences, but united by a single purpose. That made every step feel like it mattered.

The Journey

The route took us across open chalk hills, farmland, and woodland. It was tough in places, especially with the wind cutting across the higher ground, but the landscape gave something back as well.

We walked through bluebell woods, saw deer moving quietly across the fields, and watched red kites gliding overhead. At one point, we even came across wild garlic growing naturally along the route — a small detail, but one that added to the experience and reminded us how connected we were to the land.

It wasn’t just about getting from start to finish. It was about everything we experienced along the way.

Bluebell Camp

About halfway through, we stopped for a break — what we came to call “Bluebell Camp.”

It was a chance to reset. Coffee was brewed, ration packs were opened, and hot chocolate was made for Gabriel. It was a simple moment, but an important one.

Out there, away from everything, it brought the team closer together. It gave us time to reflect, to talk, and to take in where we were.

Pushing Through

The conditions stayed challenging. The wind didn’t ease, and the miles started to take their toll.

But no one dropped off.

There was constant encouragement, plenty of humour, and a shared determination to keep going — even when we went beyond what we originally planned.

What started as a 10-mile challenge became 11.5 miles of commitment and teamwork.

Crossing the Finish

When we reached the end, there was a real sense of achievement.

Not just individually, but as a group.

We had taken on a challenge together and gone beyond it together.

Why We Did It

This walk was about more than distance.

It was about raising awareness and support for veterans who are dealing with the lasting effects of their service, including PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Many of these struggles aren’t visible. Many veterans face them quietly.

By taking part, we’re helping contribute towards:

• 24-hour helpline support
• Specialist mental health treatment
• Peer support networks
• Ongoing research into PTSD

Every mile walked helps make a difference.

What It Meant

For us, this was about more than completing a hike.

It was about teamwork, resilience, and purpose.

It showed what can be achieved when people come together for something bigger than themselves — and what can happen when you go a little further than you thought you could.

10 miles planned.

11.5 miles completed.

One team.

One mission.

Support our March in March

This year we will be taking on March in March to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict.

We are taking on March in March to help take vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Thank you so much for your support and together we march!