Veterans tackle coast walk for Veterans in Aid in battle to raise awareness of PTSD in ex-troops

As part of PTSD Awareness Month, charity Veterans in Action (VIA) stages annual Walk 4 PTSD’ sponsored walks across the country, bringing it to Weymouth for the first time last weekend.

A small but mighty group of five veterans and two other walkers took on the six-mile route from Chickerell following the south west coast path and finishing in Hope Square, finishing the trek in two hours. 

Mark Ford, Paul Milverton, Ben Milverton, Jason Tranter and Rod Mansell, all veterans, along with Gaynor Cowley and John Leahy, endured sodden conditions to raise hundreds of pounds for the cause. 

Rod said: “The walk went well, there was a little rain as we were following coast path from Littlesea to Wyke but it did not dampen our spirits. 

“We walked approximately one mile every 20 minutes, so finished our six miles in two hours.

“Initially I kept the walk at six miles because we had some people that did not think they could walk much further. We are now looking at holding regular walking outings and to make people aware of PTSD and Veterans in Action.

“We're not exactly sure of the total figure raised but it will exceed £600.”

Rod says the walk will be staged in Weymouth once again next year when he hopes more people “from all walks of life” will take part. 

VIA was founded in 2008 by two ex Royal Engineers, two of whom are physically injured and one who is mentally suffering from PTSD, who all wanted to do something to help raise money for those affected by war. Veterans suffering with the illness can experience flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping and feel detached or estranged.

VIA helps veterans who now suffer the effects of war and who find the transition to civilian life difficult by encouraging them to get involved in their centre based projects, adventure activities and expeditions, working alongside other veterans.

To take part in Walk 4 PTSD on October 6, 2018 contact Rod at rodmansell@ yahoo.com.