Alysoun Sturt-Scobie - Riding to the Edge - for COMBAT STRESS

My Activity Tracking

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I am raising 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.

The NorthCape4000 seemed like a good idea when I signed up last year. Yet now, with the 3,000km ride about to begin, and by the time you read this, I might well already be on my way from Berlin to the North Cape, the most northern point on the European mainland. I'm excited and, if I'm honest, very, very nervous.

I'll be riding the route on a road bike with my 79-year-old good friend. Our plan is simple: to have fun and enjoy the ride.

That's my philosophy for life. Yet for some military personnel, what started as a great ride, with friends, companionship and excitement became a nightmare, literally and metaphorically. I've seen this up close.

A colleague I worked with in Africa experienced a PTSD crisis following a security incident during a routine work visit. He had served, and his brother had been killed in an attack whilst serving in Afghanistan. Until that moment, he had been "ok". I didn't know about Combat Stress at the time, but sourcing the right support for him when he needed it most, as he later told me, made an enormous difference to his long-term recovery.

A close family member served too. Seeing the impact on him and his family, and knowing what the right support can mean shaped me in ways I'm still understanding.

PTSD doesn't only affect the person carrying it. It ripples through families, friendships and workplaces. But it is treatable. You can get better.

I joined the Board of Combat Stress as a trustee earlier this year, motivated by these experiences and by a conviction that effective support genuinely changes lives. I've seen the profound impact when PTSD goes untreated, and I've seen the long-term difference that the right intervention can make. That difference is worth fighting for.

I'm not someone who finds it easy to ask for help. I push myself hard, sometimes crack, sometimes "fail". But over my 62 years I've finally understood that asking for help is not weakness — and that most people, when asked, will give it willingly. Don't wait as long as I did to learn that. You can have fun again. You can enjoy the ride.

If you're reading this and something feels "off" for you, or for someone you know who has served - please reach out. Combat Stress runs a 24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1619.

There is someone there.

Please sponsor me, and help Combat Stress reach even more of those who have served and are struggling.

Thank you.

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

£265.88

Andy Summers

£211

Marvin & Emmanuelle

Congratulations and "bon courage" for this new challenge!

£200

Beverly Sriruttan

£122.31

Malin Spratt

£109.25

Chris & Debi

Sue and Alysoun, wishing you both the very best. Savour the experience and enjoy the riding!

£107

Jane Mccue

Fantastic effort for an excellent cause. Good luck!

£100

Sally G

Wow Alysoun! Thank you

£100

Hannah Maran

Dearest Alysoun, 3000 km of endurance, AND for an excellent cause - proud of you as ever. Cheering you on!

£87

Jean

Yet another wonderful feat, Aly. You never cease to amaze me. I hope it brings you great satisfaction and joy.

£67.15

Michael Hayward

£65.63

Cynthia Gray

£60

Thay And Anne

An epic adventure : A real test of body and mind. Will follow your effort, willing you there, one pedal turn at a time

£55.88

Richard Ramsay

£55.88

Vicky Gumley

I have loved watching you and Sue on this epic journey. Amazing. Both of you.

£54.75

Kate Davidson

£50

Gillian And Colin

Incredible achievement

£50

Gillian Russell

£50

Caroline Marrows

£50

Nicola Bezer

£50

Wiola Mi

£50

Ollie Phillips

Go crush it Aly

£42.39

Dannette Haley

£42.39

Kent Benson

£41.48

Seb P

Fantastic cause from a wonderful soul! Bonne chance !

£30.55

Monica Smith

£30.55

Maria Artaza-lyons

£28.44

Christine Greenwood

£27

Robert Ford

£22.80

Anonymous

£22.80

Steven Leslie

£12.25

Jackie Lawlor

You are both amazing. Ride well, I hope you continue to meet angels, see beauty and feel real pride in this outstanding endeavour. And I hope you raise lots of money for this great cause xx

Riding to the Edge - for COMBAT STRESS