Josh Phillips

100 Miles in May

My Activity Tracking

100
mi

My target 100 mi

I'm fundraising for Combat Stress by taking on the challenge of walking 100 miles in May!

I'm fundraising for Combat Stress by taking on the challenge of walking 100 miles in May!

Why am I doing this?

Since leaving the Army, I've faced numerous mental and physical challenges. For many veterans, including myself, charities like Combat Stress provide a genuine lifeline. They offer a range of services, including support over the phone, signposting to other services if needed, and providing therapy, among many other things.

Anyone who has dealt with mental health issues, whether a veteran or not, knows it's an ongoing battle. It's not a quick fix and requires time, commitment, and support to push through. Combat Stress is there to provide that support and help veterans move from the darkness to the other side.

For those who know me personally, you’ll know I’ve struggled with my fair share of mental health issues. I understand how hard it is to keep going, how exhausting the thoughts can be, and how draining life feels when you're struggling. I understand the isolation and loneliness, feeling like you’re speaking another language and no one understands. I've been there, at times I'm still there, and more than likely, I'll be there next month.

Combat Stress and other NHS/veteran services have been a lifeline to me over the years, so this is my way of giving back.

The Challenge

This isn’t just about PTSD. Veterans typically suffer from a wide range of issues after leaving the service, including:

  • Adjustment Issues
  • Homelessness
  • Social Isolation
  • Loss of Identity and Purpose
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Substance Abuse

In 2021, over 250 veterans committed suicide. That's 250 humans, 250 brothers or sisters, mums or dads, sons or daughters who took their own life.

So, I’m fundraising in the hope it helps at least one person move forward. I’m going to be tabbing the 100 miles. The first 50 miles with 10kg, the next 30 miles with 15kg, and the last 20 miles with 20kg. For some context, I’m overweight and I’ve not exercised since leaving the Army over 10 years ago.

How Your Donations Can Help

  • £8 could fund an art therapy session for one veteran at one of our treatment centres.
  • £19 could fund our 24-hour Helpline for one hour.
  • £35 could pay for a veteran to have a one-to-one peer support session.
  • £100 could pay towards community occupational therapy workshops for one veteran.

Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of veterans who are battling mental health issues. I’ve deliberately set the donation amount to a relatively small amount - £150. I know the cost of living is challenging at the moment, so the aim is for 150 people to donate £1 each. With that, we’ll be able to fund several of the above services for someone who desperately needs them.

So please, donate if you can. I’ll be posting progress updates, and if you want to come see an extremely unfit IT worker struggle to walk and more than likely cry at every mile, feel free to come watch, support, or laugh at me when I’m out and about.

Thank you for considering a donation to Combat Stress and for reading my story.

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

Uploaded profile pic

Shared page

Self donated

Raised £250

Raised £500

Raised £750

Reached Fundraising Goal

Created a Team

Completed my challenge

Thank you to my Sponsors

£25.97

Jordan Davis

Fair play, that’s going to be stinking ! 😂 Good luck mate it’s an awesome cause

£25.97

Emma Walkden-flower

Really admirable Josh. Good luck!

£25

Facebook Donation

£21.84

Josh P

£21.84

Jason Williams

£21.84

James Carter

Good luck Josh!

£20

Claire & Rich

Good luck Josh, we are very proud x

£16.56

Josh Sword

£13.46

Michael John

£11.33

Andy F

All the best with the challenge 👍🏻

£11.33

Ian Wright

£11.33

Anonymous

£11.33

Yelf Shelf

You got this 💪🏽 So proud of you! 💙

£11.33

Liam Coss

£11.09

Anonymous

£10

Conor Hopkins

£10

Scott Richards

Good luck mate!