Elizabeth Sweetman

My Activity Tracking

66
mi

My target 100 mi

It takes a village...

Last year I broke an ankle hiking. Just as I got fit again, I badly sprained the other one. Apparently my body believes in sequels.

But the harder climbs weren’t physical.

In 12 months, my family lost both my mum and dad, while someone close to us battled severe mental illness and was sectioned. “Mental health” gets talked about constantly now — often reduced to hashtags and awareness weeks — but seeing it up close is something else entirely.

Some people seek help. Some quietly surrender to it. And what becomes painfully obvious is this: mental illness never affects just one person. It ripples through families, friendships, workplaces — entire communities.

It takes a village to raise a child, they say. It also takes one to hold someone together when their mind is falling apart.

And that’s the problem. We’ve never been more “connected”, yet somehow never more alone. Hundreds of Facebook friends. Endless group chats. Families glued to screens instead of each other.

If you were falling apart mentally, would anyone actually notice?

Veterans are always smiling

This weekend I went up to London and had the pleasure of staying at the Union Jack Club in Waterloo (for service members and veterans). It was absolutely packed and the atmosphere was festive ahead of the annual Army vs Navy rugby match at Twickenham. On match day the bar opened at 8am! We made our way to Twickers, following a group of Waldo's, and immersed ourselves in the festive vibe. The atmosphere was electric, and the game was neck-in-neck with Navy winning for the second year in a row. What a fun day! I can't quite remember what the score was....

I had many conversations over the weekend with veterans and always behind the smiles, the remembrance of those who are not with us anymore. Toasts were made, pints poured and left untouched. Just a reminder that not all wounds are visible. Behind all the funny stories, always a little sadness for lost friends.

I'm taking on 100 Miles in May for Combat Stress

This year I'm taking on 100 Miles in May 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 vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Thank you so much for your support.

My Achievements

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Raised £250

Raised £500

Raised £750

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Thank you to my Sponsors

£106

Thermocold

£54.75

C

Every step of your 100 miles with you in heart and spirit! You’re amazing for doing this, for getting through one of the toughest years and still thinking of others by raising awareness for this charity. So many people struggle everywhere without anyone noticing, and it’s the ones who hide it the best that need the support the most. So proud of you. Love you. Good luck 🙏🩷🩷🩷🩷

£20.79