Daz White

Im taking part in the Combat Stress 100 Miles in May challenge

It is that time again where I challenge myself for the benefit of others. Due to some difficult times recently, I am going back to my roots for a number of reasons as I suffered with solitude as a young runner and athlete.

My options when I was younger were to be isolated in my bedroom or isolated running along the hills and lanes of Northowram, Halifax. Thankfully I chose the latter and it helped to frame the person that I am today. I have completed some crazy challenges for charity in my time, but they were also to remind me to be alive. Whilst many of you would find this challenge easy, for me, this certainly isn’t. I am physically out of condition and only just better off mentally.

Gone are my days of completing 100 miles in 10 days, or even 20! Thankfully May has 31 days, but this will be as much a test of mental robustness as it is physical. I only had reconstructive surgery to my left knee on 30 May 23 and I still remain without an anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee. What I do know, is that when I am struggling, I will be thinking of those that have always supported me, and the worthwhile funds that I will be raising to support Combat Stress as the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.  For over a century they have been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today they provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.