Tim Shapland, Business Services Director at Landmarc Support Services has launched the mammoth task of undertaking a series of walks covering 100 miles to raise £10,000 for forces charity Combat Stress.
‘Project Longstride’ will see Tim trek across some of the stunning yet seldom visited scenery of the UK’s military training areas. He is also looking to recruit some fellow ‘Longstriders’ who are willing to walk alongside him at one or more of the walks. The £10,000 target will go solely to Combat Stress and will be made up from any sponsorship that both Tim and any co-walkers are able to raise.
Combat Stress is a charity that works with former veterans who have encountered experiences through military service that have led to psychological wounds. These include depression, phobias, anxiety, relationship problems and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Typically, these only become apparent some time after the individual has left the forces, and the charity received over 1,500 new referrals last year alone. It works with these veterans to provide free of charge effective treatment and support for mental health difficulties of this nature.
Tim’s next walk is scheduled for 13th July, and will see him walking the Three Lochs Way in Garelochhead, Argyll and Bute. The other walks are spread throughout the rest of the year at locations all over the country including Northumberland, the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire, Thetford, Dartmoor and Salisbury Plain.
Tim said: “£10,000 is a lot of money for one person to raise and I am absolutely committed to ensuring the charity receives it. The work of Combat Stress is only made possible through fund raising initiatives, so please dig deep to help these veterans who have often risked their lives to protect us.
“Each walk will have room for a limited number of fellow ‘Longstriders’ and the routes chosen are around 10-12 miles in length and not particularly arduous. All that’s needed are a good pair of boots and the ability to help raise funds.”
You can give sponsorship money to support Tim in his 100-mile challenge via this link – www.justgiving.com/longstride. Or to get involved with Project Longstride and become one of Tim’s co-walkers, contact him directly on 07818 076841, or email [email protected].