Reason to do this
I joined the military for purpose, service, and belonging. Like many veterans, I believed in the mission and the responsibility that came with wearing the uniform. What I didn’t fully understand was how deeply that experience would stay with me—even long after service ended.
Combat stress doesn’t always look dramatic. For me, it shows up as tension, mental fatigue, or feeling on edge without a clear reason. It can happen during ordinary moments, which makes it easy to question why it’s still there. But stress doesn’t mean weakness—it means the mind learned to survive in intense conditions.
I’m proud of my service and grateful for what it gave me. At the same time, it’s possible to carry stress from those experiences. Both can be true. Veterans are trained to push through, but outside the military, that mindset can lead us to carry too much alone.
Talking about combat stress matters. It helps reduce stigma and reminds veterans they’re not behind or broken. Managing stress is an ongoing process, and learning to take care of ourselves is part of honoring our service.
Support my March in March
This year I 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.
I’m 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!
