Nicola Hemsworth

12 Tri's of Christmas

The 12 Tri's of Christmas is an adaptation of Flt Sgt Simon Lunn's "12Ks of Christmas".

In Simon's words, "it was created not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness of this charity who can and do so much to help veterans with mental health needs. I created the concept after battling with my own personal mental health illness. During this time of illness I was admitted to hospital. Whilst there I became acquainted with a veteran soldier who had served for 22 years in the Army, he had struggled ever since with PTSD and other mental health problems. Ashamedly, at the time I was unaware of Combat Stress. I look back on this and wish I could have signposted him to the charity for additional support. Whilst I have not seen or heard from this veteran since, not a day goes by when I don't think about the missed opportunity to help him with his recovery. I didn't want this to be the case for anyone else in my position and wanted to do something to raise awareness of such a wonderful charity and raise a few quid whilst doing so."

Having had my own mental health journey during my 14 year career, and contact with many people who have now left the services, I realise the importance and great work that Combat Stress do for veteran's mental health, particularly with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Therefore, I was keen to participate in the 12Ks of Christmas in 2021, and realised people may want to challenge themselves in a multi-discipline event - this is where 2022's 12 tri's of Christmas came from.

I wish you all the best with the 12Ks or the 12 Tri's of Christmas and look forward to raising some money along the way - Flt Lt Ben Wadd